Treatment of pancreatic exocrine deficiency.
In treating pancreatic exocrine insufficiency the diagnosis of a cause, wherever possible, is a first step. If there is an obstructing lesion, then its relief may be curative. Adequate management depends on dietary manipulation and enzyme replacement. A reduction in fat intake, with accentuation of protein and carbohydrate consumption, is recommended. For enzyme replacement, enteric-coated microspheres are required, taken with adequate acid-suppression with a proton-pump inhibitor. The enzyme supplements, using standard preparations of pancreatin, usually of porcine source, may be as much as 4 to 8 tablets per meal and should be taken with food. Endocrine insufficiency usually requires insulin.
Sarner
Martin
M
Private Consulting Rooms, University College Hospital, Grafton Way, WC1E 6AU, London, UK. m.sarner@ntlworld.com
D010188:Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010179:Pancreas / Q000201:enzymology*; D010194:Pancreatin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013608:Tablets, Enteric-Coated / Q000627:therapeutic use
D006635:Histamine H2 Antagonists; D007328:Insulin; D013608:Tablets, Enteric-Coated; D010194:Pancreatin