Authors: Sonwalkar, S. A.¹; Holbrook, I. B.²; Phillips, I.³; Kelly, S. M.¹

Source: Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Volume 17, Number 3, February 2003 , pp. 467-471(5)

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Abstract:

Summary Background

: The assessment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is part of the routine work-up of patients with persistent diarrhoea or suspected steatorrhoea. Direct and indirect tests for the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency have their drawbacks. Measurement of faecal elastase 1 by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay is a simple, non-invasive, robust test for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Methods

: We performed a prospective comparison of the para-aminobenzoic acid test and faecal elastase 1 test in 45 patients being investigated for diarrhoea or suspected steatorrhoea. Details of clinical suspicion, imaging and response to treatment were recorded. Results

: Exocrine pancreatic function was normal in 20 patients with normal para-aminobenzoic acid and faecal elastase 1 levels. Eight patients had exocrine pancreatic insufficiency with low para-aminobenzoic acid and faecal elastase 1 levels, which improved with enzyme supplementation. In 14 of the 15 patients with low or borderline low para-aminobenzoic acid and normal faecal elastase 1 levels, a non-pancreatic cause was found; one patient had a false positive para-aminobenzoic acid test. Two had normal para-aminobenzoic acid but low faecal elastase 1 levels. One improved with pancreatic supplementation, and imaging revealed chronic pancreatitis. The other had a false positive faecal elastase 1 test related to profuse diarrhoea. Conclusions

: Faecal elastase 1 estimation is a simple, non-invasive, robust test of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, performed on an out-patient stool sample. Its diagnostic performance is superior to that of the para-aminobenzoic acid test in investigating patients with diarrhoea or suspected steatorrhoea.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01451.x

Affiliations: 1: Department of Medicine and Gastroenterology, York Hospital, York, UK; 2: Department of Chemical Pathology, York Hospital, York, UK; 3: Department of Chemical Pathology, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton, UK

Publication date: 2003-02-01

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