Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in presumed healthy elderly subjects.

Abstract

A pilot study on exocrine pancreatic function, using the 2-day para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) test, was performed on 21 healthy elderly and 26 healthy young subjects. A PABA excretion index (PEI) less than 55%, indicating moderate to severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), was found in 19% of the elderly group (95% confidence limits 5-42%). While the mean value of the PEI was significantly lower in the elderly compared with the young group (Mann-Whitney Z = 2.8, p less than 0.01), there was no significant difference when the elderly subgroup with PEI less than 55% was excluded. There was no evidence of a generalized moderate to severe decline in pancreatic exocrine function with increasing age; a mild to moderate decline cannot be excluded.

• Authors: F I al-Modaris, M J Power, J G McConnell, I C Taylor, E Armstrong, K D Buchanan
• Journal: Age and ageing (Age Ageing) Vol. 21 Issue 4 Pg. 269-72 (Jul 1992) ISSN: 0002-0729 [Print] England
• PMID: 1514456 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Lipase
• Trypsin
• 4-Aminobenzoic Acid

Topics

• 4-Aminobenzoic Acid
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (diagnosis, physiopathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Lipase (blood)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pancreas (physiopathology)
• Pancreatic Function Tests
• Pilot Projects
• Reference Values
• Trypsin (blood)