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 microg/g) in 59.3% and severely reduced (<100 microg/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.
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Authors | Philip D Hardt, Annette Hauenschild, Jens Nalop, Axel M Marzeion, Clemens Jaeger, Joachim Teichmann, Reinhard G Bretzel, Manfred Hollenhorst, Hans U Kloer, S2453112/S2453113 Study Group |
Journal | Pancreatology : official journal of the International Association of Pancreatology (IAP) ... [et al.]
(Pancreatology)
Vol. 3
Issue 5
Pg. 395-402
( 2003)
ISSN: 1424-3903 [Print] Switzerland |
PMID | 14526149
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Multicenter Study)
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Copyright | Copyright 2003 S. Karger AG, Basel and IAP |
Chemical References |
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Topics |
- Adult
- Age Factors
- Age of Onset
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Body Mass Index
- Diabetes Complications
- Diabetes Mellitus
(enzymology)
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
(diagnosis, enzymology, etiology)
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Pancreatic Elastase
(blood)
- Pancreatic Function Tests
- Prevalence
- Time Factors
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