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Pancreatic Insufficiency Causes

Pancreatic insufficiency is the inability of the pancreas to produce sufficient digestive enzymes to break down the food in the intestines. This may result in nutrients not being properly absorbed by the body. Pancreatic insufficiency can cause weight loss, malnutrition, foul-smelling loose stools and vitamin deficiencies. Diabetes and cystic fibrosis are two conditions that can cause pancreatic insufficiency; however, there are other causes as well.

  1. Cystic Fibrosis

    • Cystic fibrosis, also known as CF, is the most common cause of pancreatic insufficiency in children. This is a fairly common disease that is genetic and is caused by a mutation in a gene that is found on chromosome 7. Mutations in this gene can cause defective production of CFTR, which is also known as cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator. In order to pass CF to a child, both parents must have an abnormal CF gene or be carriers of the disease. Cystic fibrosis occurs most often in Caucasian from Northern Europe and in Ashkenazi Jews.

    Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome

    • First discovered in 1964, Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome, or SDS, is a rare disease which affects the pancreas, causing pancreatic insufficiency. Other organs may be affected by this condition as well as bone marrow and the skeleton. Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome is the second leading cause of pancreatic insufficiency in children, states the SDS Foundation. The symptoms associated with SDS in children are failure to thrive, recurrent infections and feeding problems. According to the SDS Foundation, approximately 85 percent of children affected by SDS experience recurrent infections. Infections can become severe and lead to death.

    Type I Diabetes

    • Type I diabetes is a condition that may cause pancreatic insufficiency. Type I diabetes was previously referred to as juvenile diabetes and is most often diagnosed in children and young adults. According to the American Diabetes Association, Type I diabetes causes the body to not produce insulin. Insulin is a hormone that is used by the body to convert sugar, starches and other foods into energy. The symptoms associated with Type I diabetes are unusual thirst, increased urination, irritability, fatigue, weight loss and extreme hunger.

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