A new direct pancreatic function test in pediatrics

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 1991 Apr;12(3):356-60. doi: 10.1097/00005176-199104000-00012.

Abstract

Traditional methods for collecting duodenal fluid are time consuming and technically difficult. A simple endoscopic method is proposed in this report as a means of collecting duodenal fluid to perform exocrine pancreatic function tests. Thirty-five patients between 24 and 36 months of age were studied for pancreatic exocrine function. Twenty-seven presented with chronic diarrhea and 8 with failure to thrive. In 20 patients (group 1), duodenal fluid was collected by means of a double-lumen tube and sequential administration of pancreozymin (PZN) and secretin (SEC). The rest (group 2) had duodenal aspiration from the level of the papilla of Vater through a fiberoptic endoscope following administration of SEC only. The procedure took approximately 3 h in group 1 and 45 min in group 2. Secretin administration produced comparable levels of enzymes in both groups. Pancreozymin produced the highest enzyme levels, but this was only significantly higher than SEC-induced levels in the case of lipase. Endoscopic collection of duodenal fluid following SEC administration is a safe, quick, and reliable method of collecting pancreatic secretion.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Child, Preschool
  • Cholecystokinin
  • Duodenum / enzymology
  • Endoscopy
  • Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency / diagnosis
  • Fiber Optic Technology
  • Humans
  • Intestinal Secretions / chemistry
  • Male
  • Pancreatic Function Tests / methods*
  • Pancreatic Function Tests / standards
  • Pediatrics*
  • Secretin
  • Suction

Substances

  • Secretin
  • Cholecystokinin