Journal article

Publication year: 2003

Pages: 395-402

Journal: Pancreatology

Volume number: 3

Issue number: 5

ISSN: 1424-3903

eISSN: 1424-3911

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1159/000073655

Publisher: Elsevier

Abstract: 
Background: There have been numerous reports on pancreatic exocrine dysfunction in diabetes mellitus using either direct or indirect function tests. The measurement of fecal elastase 1 concentrations (FEC) has been used as a screening tool for exocrine pancreatic disease in different patient groups indicating a high prevalence of exocrine dysfunction in diabetic populations. In this study we had the opportunity to study more than 1,000 diabetic patients to confirm recent observations in smaller populations. Methods: FEC were measured by ELISA in 323 patients with type 1 and 697 type 2 diabetes mellitus. Subjects with a history of alcohol abuse, gastrointestinal surgery, cancer or inflammatory diseases were not included. Diabetes history and clinical data were recorded using a standard case report form. Findings: 1,021 patients (334 female, 687 male; mean age 50 years; mean diabetes duration 11 years; mean age at onset of diabetes 39 years) were studied. FEC was normal (>200 mug/g) in 59.3% and severely reduced (<100 mu g/g) in 22.9%. There were significant differences between type 1 and type 2 patients as well as between insulin-treated and non-insulin-treated patients. Furthermore, there were weak associations between FEC and diabetes duration, age at onset of diabetes and body mass index, respectively. Interpretation: We could confirm that both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients show pathological exocrine function in high prevalence. Exocrine insufficiency seems to be correlated to early onset of endocrine failure, long-lasting diabetes mellitus and low body mass index levels. Copyright (C) 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel and IAP.

Harvard Citation style: Hardt, P., Hauenschild, A., Nalop, J., Marzeion, A., Jaeger, C., Teichmann, J., et al. (2003) High prevalence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in diabetes mellitus - A multicenter study screening fecal elastase 1 concentrations in 1,021 diabetic patients, Pancreatology, 3(5), pp. 395-402. https://doi.org/10.1159/000073655

APA Citation style: Hardt, P., Hauenschild, A., Nalop, J., Marzeion, A., Jaeger, C., Teichmann, J., Bretzel, R., Hollenhorst, M., & Kloer, H. (2003). High prevalence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in diabetes mellitus - A multicenter study screening fecal elastase 1 concentrations in 1,021 diabetic patients. Pancreatology. 3(5), 395-402. https://doi.org/10.1159/000073655