Pancreatic Insufficiency Flashcards
What is meant by pancreatic insufficiency
Reduced secretion of the pancreatic enzymes into the duodenum. Can be due to pancreatitis, CF, pancreatic tumours, coeliac disease, gastrointestinal resection and may lead to maldigestion and malnutrition
What is the the treatment for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Treatment: pancreatic enzyme replacement (pancreatin)
-pancreatin: lipase, amylase and protease which digests fats, carbohydrates and proteins so it can be absorbed
- take with meals and snacks- prevents early breakdown
Patients with cystic fibrosis: fibrosis colonopathy at high dose pancreatin
- CF patients should not exceed 10000 units/kg/day of lipase
- report any new abdominal symptoms
Levels of fat soluble vitamins and micronutrients should be monitored
-give supplements when needed
