Clinical and pharmacological approaches to the management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in chronic pancreatitis

Abstract

Chronic pancreatitis is a multifactorial disease in which repeated episodes of inflammation of the pancreas contribute to the development of fibrous tissue, leading to chronic pain, as well as exocrine and endocrine insufficiency. The incidence and prevalence of chronic pancreatitis in the world are growing, as evidenced by current statistics. In addition, the annual costs associated with the treatment of exocrine and endocrine insufficiency are also increasing. In the United States alone, the annual cost of treating these complications is $ 75.1 million. Exocrine insufficiency is one of the most frequent complications, which is characterized by a deficiency of pancreatic enzymes, leading to the development of malabsorption syndrome (impaired absorption of nutrients, vitamins and minerals). Due to the increased incidence and deterioration of the quality of life associated with this condition, the goal of treatment is to compensate for the deficiency of exocrine enzymes with oral pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. The core of this therapy is to deliver activated, unbroken enzymes directly to the small intestine during a meal. Many studies have shown that prescribing enzyme replacement therapy improves symptoms associated with exocrine insufficiency, reduces the progression of osteopenia, and improves survival in such patients. The use of pancreatin contributes to the correction of exocrine insufficiency in patients with chronic pancreatitis. The data presented in the article indicate that the drug is a safe and effective agent, meets all modern standards and requirements, and can be used to correct enzymatic pancreatic insufficiency.

Keywords

• chronic pancreatitis
• exocrine insufficiency
• enzyme replacement therapy
• pancreatin
• steatorrhea
• lipase