Cover image: PIXOLOGICSTUDIO / Science Photo Library / Getty Images

 Introduction

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Aetiology

Causes

• Chronic pancreatitis
• Genetic conditions:
  • Cystic fibrosis

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Clinical Features

Malabsorbtion
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Malnutrition
↓
Weak bones, vision problems, easy bruising, skin rashes, weight loss

• GASTRIC DISTURBANCES
  • Diarrhoea
  • Bloating
  • Flatulence
• Steatorrhoea

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Diagnosis

Investigations

• STOOL EXAMINATION
  • Fat
  • Fecal elastase
• Pancreatic Stimulation Testing
  • Use secretin
  • Expensive, so rarely performed

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Treatment

No definitive treatment

Management principles

• Lifestyle changes
  • Healthy lifestyle
  • Avoid risk factors
    • Smoking, alcohol, high-fat foods
  • Eat fruits & nutrient rich diet
• Pancreatic insufficiency
  • PERT (Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy)
    • Protease, amylase, lipase
• Indigestion
  • Multivitamins & mineral supplements

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INFOGRAPHIC_Pancreatic Insufficiency

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