CHYMOTRYPSIN OUTPUT IN STOOLS IN PANCREATIC AND OTHER DISEASES

  • 1 January 1976
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 66  (2) , 140-145
Abstract
Chymotrypsin output in the stools (U/24 h) was calculated from analysis of single stool samples, using cuprous isothiocyanate [CuSCN] as a continuous marker. The calculated values agreed favorably with those calculated from 3-day stool collections. In 45 controls, with and without steatorrhea, chymotrypsin output was above 10,000 U/24 h. In 6 patients with pancreatic insufficiency the values were considerably lower. In 10 patients with pancreatic disease without insufficiency the values were in the normal range. The method was found very useful in the diagnosis of pancreatic insufficiency, but not sensitive enough to detect lesser degrees of pancreatic damage.