Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency in Humans

People have made jokes about the tendency of pet owners and their pets to take on each other's personalities and characteristics. However, some shared attributes, such as major diseases are no laughing matter. Dr. Jörg M. Steiner of the Gastrointestinal Laboratory says exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a common and underdiagnosed condition in dogs and cats. In an article, he explains that humans can have this disease as well and it can be just as difficult to diagnose and treat.

Features

• Dr. Steiner explains that exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is an inflammation of the exocrine pancreas that leads to digestion problems and possibly renal failure. When the pancreas is not producing enough enzymes or pancreatic cells that make digestive enzymes, the nutrients humans need from food don't become absorbed or digested.

Symptoms

• Digestion problems are symptomatic of many deficiencies, so it is not easy to self-diagnose exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Abdominal pain is a common symptom of pancreatitis, which could signify exocrine insufficiency. Monitoring abnormal stool discharge can give some indication. It the discharge is oily, pale and emits an uncommonly foul odor, the person should seek a doctor's opinion. Palo Alto Medical Foundation reports that common symptoms are gas, bloating and excess oil in the stool. Bone pain, easy bruising and muscle cramps are also common symptoms.

Causes

• Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients are commonly develop exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Cystic fibrosis, which often runs in families, is also a major cause of pancreatic insufficiency. Studies at the Gastrointestinal Laboratory show that other diseases a person may have that impede the functions of the pancreas could lead to inefficiencies later on.

Diagnosis

• Researchers at the University Department of Geriatric Medicine Llandough say that the methods used to diagnose exocrine pancreatic insufficiency haven't been properly standardized because it is thought that this disease is more of a feline disease. However, they report, "The 'gold-standard' for the diagnosis of pancreatic insufficiency is by direct testing, and requires double lumen gastric and duodenal intubation." Dr. Steiner's report shows that many doctors use a pancreatic biopsy.

Treatment

• Palo Alto Medical Foundation says that acute deficiencies can be maintained by change in lifestyle choices and digestive enzyme supplements that can be taken with meals. They advise that a doctor should monitor your progress as you add enzymes and antioxidants to your regular meals. They suggest "Lessen pain and prevent recurrences of pancreatitis by taking a daily supplement containing beta-carotene (9,000 IU), vitamin C (540 mg), vitamin E (270 IU), methionine (2,000 mg), and selenium (600 mcg; note: this amount should be supervised by a healthcare professional)."