[Fecal elastase-1: a useful test in pediatric practice].
OBJECTIVE
To study fecal elastase-1 (E1F) and chymotrypsin (ChT) in stools for the diagnosis of pancreatic insufficiency in pediatric practice.


METHODS
E1F and ChT were measured in stools of 198 children divided in 3 groups: 49 children without any digestive disease (group A), 71 children with pancreatic diseases (group B), and 78 children with non-pancreatic digestive diseases (group C).


RESULTS
In group B, E1F values were very low in 64 children and normal in 7 children without pancreatic insufficiency (6 children with cystic fibrosis and 1 with chronic pancreatitis). ChT values were normal in children without pancreatic insufficiency but also in half of children treated with pancreatic enzymes. Decreased E1F values were seen in 2 children (4%) in the group A and 22 children (28%) in the group C, especially those with acute gastroenteritis or celiac disease.


CONCLUSIONS
E1F is a simple, non-invasive, useful tool for the diagnosis of pancreatic insufficiency in children with growth failure or chronic diarrhea, and those with cystic fibrosis. Nevertheless, low values may be found in diseases with villous atrophy or very liquid stools.
David-Henriau
L
L
Unité de gastroentérologie pédiatrique, département de pédiatrie, centre hospitalier Pellegrin, CHU de Bordeaux, place Amélie-Raba-Léon, 33076, Bordeaux cedex, France.
Bui
S
S
Molinari
I
I
Montaudon
D
D
Lamireau
T
T
D000293:Adolescent; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002918:Chymotrypsin / Q000032:analysis; D010188:Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency / Q000175:diagnosis*; D005243:Feces / Q000201:enzymology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase / Q000032:analysis*; D010186:Pancreatic Function Tests
D015415:Biomarkers; D002918:Chymotrypsin; D010196:Pancreatic Elastase