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Exocrine pancreatic function after recovery from necrotizing pancreatitis
T Bozkurt1, D Maroske, G Adler
1Department of Internal Medicine & Gastroenterology, Philipps-University of Marburg, Germany.
Hepato-Gastroenterology
|February 1, 1995
Summary
Most patients recovering from necrotizing pancreatitis experience persistent exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This pancreatic function impairment, affecting 80-85% of cases, can vary in severity over time.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
- Pancreatic disease research
Background:
- Necrotizing pancreatitis is a severe form of pancreatic inflammation.
- Understanding long-term exocrine pancreatic function post-recovery is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the long-term exocrine pancreatic function in patients after recovering from necrotizing pancreatitis.
- To assess the prevalence and severity of pancreatic insufficiency following acute necrotizing pancreatitis.
Main Methods:
- Study included 53 patients with a history of necrotizing pancreatitis.
- Exocrine pancreatic function was assessed using the Lundh test meal for endogenous stimulation.
- Patients were divided into two groups: Group A (23 patients) with multiple follow-ups (4 weeks to 12 months), and Group B (30 patients) with a single test at 18 months.
Main Results:
- In Group A, 74% showed mild-to-moderate insufficiency and 26% severe insufficiency at 4 weeks. At 12 months, 84% still had insufficiency.
- In Group B, 81% had mild-to-moderate insufficiency and 6% severe insufficiency at 18 months.
- Overall, 80-85% of patients exhibited persistent pancreatic insufficiency, with significant individual variability in enzyme secretion during recovery.
Conclusions:
- Persistent exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is common after necrotizing pancreatitis, affecting a large majority of patients.
- The degree of insufficiency can range from mild to severe and may persist for at least 12-18 months post-recovery.
- Monitoring pancreatic function is essential for patients recovering from necrotizing pancreatitis due to the high incidence of long-term impairment.