Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency – clinical practice in 2024

Summary Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is characterized by insufficient secretion of pancreatic digestive enzymes. According to the mechanistic theory, the lack of pancreatic enzymes in the small intestine does not ensure the digestion of food, which is mainly associated with the lack of essential fatty acids and liposoluble vitamins and, as a result, leads to the inability to ensure the nutritional and metabolic needs of the organism. In diagnostics, the standard is determination of fecal elastase. This determination is simple, the limitation is the low sensitivity to determine possible changes in pancreatic function already in the so-called initial stages of the dis ease. An alternative to fecal elastase testing is the use of breath tests using a mixture of triglycerides, radioactively labeled with carbon C13. Although the test is non-invasive, it is time-consuming and more difficult to access. The clinical symptoms of EPI are mainly those related to microbial digestion and subsequent malabsorption/maldigestion of micro- and macronutrients. In addition to the subjective feeling of bloating, borborygmy or osmotic diarrhea, low levels of liposoluble vitamins and some trace elements are frequent findings. Osteoporosis or sarcopenia belong to the picture of EPI. In EPI therapy, diet therapy and pancreatic enzyme replacement are essential approaches. The principle is to administer an adequate dose, especially of pancreatic lipase: 40,000–50,000 units with main meals, with application during meals. Smaller meals (snacks) are substituted with half the dose. The optimal galenic form is capsules with a protective cover, against the inactivation of enzymes by gastric acid, before they enter the duodenum. The galenic form is capsules containing enzymes in microparticles, 1.0–2.0 mm in size, which are released from the capsule upon entering the duodenum. This is the so-called controlled synchronization of the liberalization of the enzymes contained in the capsule. EPI is an underdiagnosed and undertreated condition in the population. The control of patients must therefore include, in addition to the evaluation of the overall clinical condition, the monitoring of changes that may manifest malabsorption. It is recommended to monitor the nutritional status at least once a year, at regular intervals. Keywords exocrine insufficiency, maldigestion, malabsorption, fecal elastase, osteoporosis, osteopenia, pancreatic replacement, microparticle capsules