PANCREATIC EXOCRINE HYPOFUNCTION IN THE WASTING SYNDROME OF END-STAGE RENAL-DISEASE

  • 1 January 1983
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 78  (3) , 170-173
Abstract
Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in patients with end-stage renal disease on hemodialysis is not well documented despite the prevalance of a wasting syndrome, which may indicate pancreatic involvement. Pancreatic exocrine function in this group was evaluated. Eight patients were studied, none of whom had a history suggestive of pancreatic exocrine involvement. Routine 72-h stool collection was performed and estimation for fecal fat showed steatorrhea in 4 patients. The secretin-pancreozymin test (direct stimulatory method) showed a statistically significant decrease in amylase and lipase levels in the duodenal aspirate and increased basal and stimulated serum amylase (P < 0.05). Values for volume, bicarbonate and trypsin in the aspirate were normal. The role of pancreatic hypofunction in the etiology of the wasting syndrome of end-stage renal disease is therefore considered, as well as the advantages of pancreatic supplementation in improving nutritional status.

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