Two indirect tests of exocrine pancreatic function evaluated.

We describe and evaluate two frequently used indirect methods for assessing exocrine pancreatic function: the N-benzoyl-L-tyrosyl-p-aminobenzoic acid test (NBT-PABA) and the pancreolauryl test. In both procedures, the patient is orally administered a substrate that is metabolized into two or more products by pancreatic enzymes. At least one of the reaction products is absorbed from the gut, conjugated, and excreted in urine, where it can be measured. Both tests can be used in the diagnosis and monitoring of cystic fibrosis, chronic pancreatitis, and pancreatic carcinoma, and in monitoring pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy to determine the appropriate dose. In comparison with the NBT-PABA procedure, the pancreolauryl test seems to have better specificity and sensitivity, undergoes almost no interference from other drugs or serum compounds, requires no complex hydrolytic conditions, and is independent of renal function.

Effect of electrolytes in the presence of some trace elements on the stability of all-in-one emulsion mixtures for total parenteral nutrition.

In a previous study we showed that the 'all-in-one' emulsion mixtures investigated for total parenteral nutrition are stable for 1 month when kept in ethylene vinyl acetate polymer (EVA) bags and refrigerated at 4 degrees C. Analogous experiments were performed with the addition of two different solutions of trace-elements: one was prepared in the pharmacy while the other was commercially obtained (Addamel, Kabi Vitrum). A Coulter counter TA II with a 30 microns orifice was used for globule size measurements. Particles with diameters ranging from 0.6 up to 16 microns were measured. No significant changes in particle size were noticed during storage and the routine addition of trace elements to the 'all-in-one' mixtures was thus possible. These emulsions can be stored without stability problems for at least 8 days.