Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Question 1

What is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency?

Answer 1

Lack of pancreatic digestive enzymes being secreted into the duodenum.
-Amylase –> Carbohydrates
-Lipase –> Fats
-Protease –> Proteins

Question 2

What causes exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?

Answer 2

-Pancreatic resection
-Pancreatitis
-Diabetes
-Coeliac disease
-Pancreatic tumours
-CF - pancreatic duct becomes blocked with mucus

Question 3

What are the symptoms of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency?

Answer 3

*Reduced immune function
*Poor wound healing
*Thyroid function impaired (due to low levels of zinc and selecium)
*Malnutrition - Lethargy, depression, poor concentration, muscle loss, dry skin, brittle nails
*Growth rate decreased
*Weight loss

Question 4

What physical symptoms are there of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency?

Answer 4

*Diarrhoea - as macronutrients are partially digested
*Cramping/Bloating/Flatulence
*Steatorrhea - fatty, foul smelling stools usually light in colour

Question 5

What is the drug treatment for somone with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency?

Answer 5

Enzyme replacement - helps to digest, breakdown, absorb.
The dose is meal dependent, the bigger the meal the higher the dose.
>When starting treatment symptoms should improve.

Question 6

What are examples of the brands of drugs used to treat Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency?

Answer 6

*Pancrex V
*Creon
*Nutrizym 22
*Pancrease HL