Avaliação da lactoferrina e da calprotectina como marcadores de inflamação intestinal na pancreatite crônica / Evaluating lactoferrin and calprotectin as markers of intestinal inflammation inchronic pancreatitis

ABSTRACT Background: The treatment of chronic pancreatitis does not consistently solve intestinal abnormalities, and despite the implementation of various therapeutic measures, patients often continue to experience persistent diarrhea. Therefore, it is imperative to recognize that diarrhea may stem from factors beyond pancreatic insufficiency, and intestinal inflammation emerges as a potential contributing factor. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin levels as indicators of intestinal inflammation in patients with chronic pancreatitis experiencing persistent diarrhea. Methods: In this study, 23 male patients with chronic pancreatitis primarily attributed to alcohol consumption and presenting with diarrhea (classified as Bristol stool scale type 6 or 7), underwent a comprehensive evaluation of their clinical and nutritional status. Fecal lactoferrin and calprotectin levels were mea­sured utilizing immunoassay techniques. Results: The average age of the participants was 54.8 years, 43.5% had diabetes, and 73.9% were smokers. Despite receiving enzyme replacement therapy and refraining from alcohol for over 4 years, all participants exhibited persistent diarrhea, accompanied by elevated calprotectin and lactoferrin levels indicative of ongoing intestinal inflammation. Conclusion: The findings of this study underscore that intestinal inflammation, as evidenced by elevated fecal biomarkers calprotectin and lactoferrin, may contribute to explaining the persistence of diarrhea in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

RESUMO Contexto: O tratamento da pancreatite crônica não resolve de forma consistente as anomalias intestinais e, apesar da implementação de várias medidas terapêuticas, os pacientes muitas vezes continuam a apresentar diarreia persistente. Portanto, é imperativo reconhecer que a diarreia pode resultar de fatores além da insuficiência pancreática, e a inflamação intestinal surge como um potencial fator contribuinte. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os níveis fecais de lactoferrina e calprotectina como indicadores de inflamação intestinal em pacientes com pancreatite crônica com diarreia persistente. Métodos: Neste estudo, 23 pacientes do sexo masculino com pancreatite crônica atribuída principalmente ao consumo de álcool e apresentando diarreia (classificada na escala de fezes de Bristol tipo 6 ou 7), foram submetidos a uma avaliação abrangente de seu estado clínico e nutricional. Os níveis fecais de lactoferrina e calprotectina foram medidos utilizando técnicas de imunoensaio. Resultados: A idade média dos participantes foi de 54,8 anos, 43,5% tinham diabetes e 73,9% eram fumantes. Apesar de receber terapia de reposição enzimática e abster-se de álcool por mais de 4 anos, todos os participantes apresentaram diarreia persistente, acompanhada por níveis elevados de calprotectina e lactoferrina, indicativos de inflamação intestinal contínua. Conclusão: Os achados deste estudo ressaltam que a inflamação intestinal, evidenciada pelos biomarcadores fecais elevados calprotectina e lactoferrina, pode contribuir para explicar a persistência da diarreia em pacientes com pancreatite crônica.

Tratamiento de reposición enzimática en la insuficiencia pancreática exocrina asociada a la fibrosis quística. Grupo de trabajo de Fibrosis Quística de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Gastroenterología, Hepatología y Nutrición Pediátrica (LASPHGAN) / Enzyme replacement treatment in exocrine pancreatic insufficiency associated with cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis Working group of the Latin American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (LASPHGAN)

La fibrosis quística (FQ) es un trastorno hereditario, de las glándulas de secreción exocrina, considerada la causa más frecuente de insuficiencia pancreática exocrina (IPE) en la infancia. Esta revisión resume el panorama del tratamiento de reposición enzimática en la IPE asociada a la FQ, las formulaciones disponibles, su dosificación y modo de administración, así como las limitaciones y desafíos actuales y las posibles áreas del desarrollo futuro

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder of the exocrine secretion glands, considered the most frequent cause of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in childhood. This review summarizes the landscape of enzyme replacement therapy in PEI associated with CF, the available formulations, their dosage and mode of administration, as well as the current limitations and challenges and potential areas for future development.

Pancreatitis crónica para el clínico. Parte 2: Tratamiento y seguimiento. Documento de posicionamiento interdisciplinar de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia y la Societat Catalana de Pàncrees / Chronic pancreatitis for the clinician. Part 2: Treatment and follow-up. Interdisciplinary Position Paper of the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees

La pancreatitis crónica se asocia a calidad de vida deteriorada, elevada incidencia de comorbilidades, complicaciones graves y mortalidad. Los costes sanitarios son enormes. Algunas sociedades médicas han elaborado guías clínicas basadas en evidencia científica, pero el nivel de evidencia para cada aspecto de la enfermedad suele ser bajo y, consecuentemente, las recomendaciones tienden a ser vagas o débiles. En los presentes documentos de posicionamiento de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia y la Societat Catalana de Pàncrees hemos buscado redactar declaraciones bien definidas orientadas al clínico, basadas en revisiones actualizadas de la literatura y acuerdos de expertos. El objetivo es proponer el uso de terminología común y circuitos diagnóstico/terapéuticos racionales basados en el conocimiento actual. Para este fin se revisaron 51 secciones relacionadas con pancreatitis crónica por 21 expertos de 6 especialidades diferentes para generar finalmente 88 declaraciones que buscan armonizar conceptos y formular recomendaciones precisas. La parte 2 de esta serie de documentos discute temas sobre tratamiento y seguimiento. La aproximación terapéutica debe incluir la evaluación de factores etiológicos, manifestaciones clínicas y complicaciones. La complejidad de estos pacientes requiere un estudio detallado individualizado en comités multidisciplinares donde todas las opciones (conservadoras, endoscópicas, de radiología intervencionista y quirúrgicas) sean sopesadas. Deberían constituirse unidades especializadas de pancreatología. Las indicaciones quirúrgicas son dolor refractario, complicaciones locales y sospecha de neoplasia. El tratamiento enzimático está indicado si existe evidencia de insuficiencia exocrina o tras cirugía pancreática. La respuesta debe evaluarse mediante parámetros nutricionales y síntomas. Se debe planificar un programa de seguimiento para cada paciente.(AU)

Chronic pancreatitis is associated with impaired quality of life, high incidence of comorbidities, serious complications and mortality. Healthcare costs are exorbitant. Some medical societies have developed guidelines for treatment based on scientific evidence, but the gathered level of evidence for any individual topic is usually low and, therefore, recommendations tend to be vague or weak. In the present position papers on chronic pancreatitis from the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees we aimed at providing defined position statements for the clinician based on updated review of published literature and on multidisciplinary expert agreement. The final goal is to propose the use of common terminology and rational diagnostic/therapeutic circuits based on current knowledge. To this end 51 sections related to chronic pancreatitis were reviewed by 21 specialists from 6 different fields to generate 88 statements altogether. Statements were designed to harmonize concepts or delineate recommendations. Part 2 of these paper series discuss topics on treatment and follow-up. The therapeutic approach should include assessment of etiological factors, clinical manifestations and complications. The complexity of these patients advocates for detailed evaluation in multidisciplinary committees where conservative, endoscopic, interventional radiology or surgical options are weighed. Specialized multidisciplinary units of Pancreatology should be constituted. Indications for surgery are refractory pain, local complications, and suspicion of malignancy. Enzyme replacement therapy is indicated if evidence of exocrine insufficiency or after pancreatic surgery. Response should be evaluated by nutritional parameters and assessment of symptoms. A follow-up program should be planned for every patient with chronic pancreatitis.(AU)

Pancreatitis crónica para el clínico. Parte 1: etiología y diagnóstico. Documento de posicionamiento interdisciplinar de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia y la Societat Catalana de Pàncrees / Chronic pancreatitis for the clinician. Part 1: Etiology and diagnosis. Interdisciplinary position paper of the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees

La pancreatitis crónica es una enfermedad fibroinflamatoria del páncreas originada por acción combinada de factores etiológicos. Muestra formas de presentación, tipos de complicaciones y grados evolutivos variables. Las opciones terapéuticas son tan diversas como los múltiples escenarios clínicos. Algunas sociedades médicas han desarrollado guías sobre diagnóstico y tratamiento basadas en evidencia científica. Pero la elevada variabilidad que conforman la conjunción de elementos etiológicos, presentaciones clínicas, complicaciones y progresión de la enfermedad hace que los niveles de evidencia obtenidos sean generalmente bajos y, por tanto, las recomendaciones tienden a ser vagas o débiles, salvo excepciones.En los presentes documentos de posicionamiento de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia y la Societat Catalana de Pàncrees hemos buscado redactar declaraciones bien definidas orientadas al clínico, basadas en revisiones actualizadas de literatura y acuerdos de expertos. El objetivo es proponer el uso de terminología común y circuitos diagnóstico/terapéuticos racionales basados en el conocimiento actual. Para este fin se revisaron 51 secciones relacionadas con pancreatitis crónica por 21 expertos de 6 especialidades diferentes para generar finalmente 88 declaraciones que buscan armonizar conceptos y formular recomendaciones precisas.La parte 1 de esta serie de documentos discute tópicos sobre etiología, diagnóstico y diagnóstico diferencial. Factores etiológicos de mayor relevancia son tóxicos (alcohol y tabaco), genéticos y obstructivos. Dolor abdominal, insuficiencia exocrina y endocrina y síntomas derivados de complicaciones son las presentaciones más frecuentes. Algunos pacientes permanecen asintomáticos. El diagnóstico (seguro, probable o incierto) debe sustentarse en datos objetivos obtenidos en pruebas de imagen, histología y pruebas de función pancreática.(AU)

Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic fibroinflammatory disease of the pancreas with prevalence around 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. It appears to originate from diverse and yet mixed etiological factors. It shows highly variable presenting features, complication types and disease progression rates. Treatment options are as wide as the multiple personalized scenarios the disease might exhibit at a given time point. Some medical societies have developed guidelines for diagnosis and treatment based on scientific evidence. Although these efforts are to be acknowledged, the gathered level of evidence for any topic is usually low and, therefore, recommendations tend to be vague or weak.In the present series of position papers on chronic pancreatitis from the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees we aimed at providing defined position statements for the clinician based on updated review of published literature and on interdisciplinary expert agreement. The final goal is to propose the use of common terminology and rational diagnostic/therapeutic circuits based on current knowledge. To this end 51 sections related to chronic pancreatitis were reviewed by 21 specialists from 6 different fields to generate 88 statements altogether. Statements were designed to harmonize concepts or delineate recommendations. Part 1 of this paper series discusses topics on aetiology and diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. Main clinical features are abdominal pain, exocrine and endocrine insufficiency and symptoms derived from complications. Some patients remain symptom-free. Diagnosis (definitive, probable or uncertain) should be based on objective data obtained from imaging, histology, or functional tests.(AU)

Chronic pancreatitis for the clinician. Part 1: Etiology and diagnosis. Interdisciplinary position paper of the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees. / Pancreatitis crónica para el clínico. Parte 1: etiología y diagnóstico. Documento de posicionamiento interdisciplinar de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia y la Societat Catalana de Pàncrees.

Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic fibroinflammatory disease of the pancreas with prevalence around 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. It appears to originate from diverse and yet mixed etiological factors. It shows highly variable presenting features, complication types and disease progression rates. Treatment options are as wide as the multiple personalized scenarios the disease might exhibit at a given time point. Some medical societies have developed guidelines for diagnosis and treatment based on scientific evidence. Although these efforts are to be acknowledged, the gathered level of evidence for any topic is usually low and, therefore, recommendations tend to be vague or weak. In the present series of position papers on chronic pancreatitis from the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees we aimed at providing defined position statements for the clinician based on updated review of published literature and on interdisciplinary expert agreement. The final goal is to propose the use of common terminology and rational diagnostic/therapeutic circuits based on current knowledge. To this end 51 sections related to chronic pancreatitis were reviewed by 21 specialists from 6 different fields to generate 88 statements altogether. Statements were designed to harmonize concepts or delineate recommendations. Part 1 of this paper series discusses topics on aetiology and diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. Main clinical features are abdominal pain, exocrine and endocrine insufficiency and symptoms derived from complications. Some patients remain symptom-free. Diagnosis (definitive, probable or uncertain) should be based on objective data obtained from imaging, histology, or functional tests.

Chronic pancreatitis for the clinician. Part 2: Treatment and follow-up. Interdisciplinary Position Paper of the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees. / Pancreatitis crónica para el clínico. Parte 2: Tratamiento y seguimiento. Documento de posicionamiento interdisciplinar de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia y la Societat Catalana de Pàncrees.

Chronic pancreatitis is associated with impaired quality of life, high incidence of comorbidities, serious complications and mortality. Healthcare costs are exorbitant. Some medical societies have developed guidelines for treatment based on scientific evidence, but the gathered level of evidence for any individual topic is usually low and, therefore, recommendations tend to be vague or weak. In the present position papers on chronic pancreatitis from the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees we aimed at providing defined position statements for the clinician based on updated review of published literature and on multidisciplinary expert agreement. The final goal is to propose the use of common terminology and rational diagnostic/therapeutic circuits based on current knowledge. To this end 51 sections related to chronic pancreatitis were reviewed by 21 specialists from 6 different fields to generate 88 statements altogether. Statements were designed to harmonize concepts or delineate recommendations. Part 2 of these paper series discuss topics on treatment and follow-up. The therapeutic approach should include assessment of etiological factors, clinical manifestations and complications. The complexity of these patients advocates for detailed evaluation in multidisciplinary committees where conservative, endoscopic, interventional radiology or surgical options are weighed. Specialized multidisciplinary units of Pancreatology should be constituted. Indications for surgery are refractory pain, local complications, and suspicion of malignancy. Enzyme replacement therapy is indicated if evidence of exocrine insufficiency or after pancreatic surgery. Response should be evaluated by nutritional parameters and assessment of symptoms. A follow-up program should be planned for every patient with chronic pancreatitis.

Descripción clínica y epidemiológica de pacientes con pancreatitis crónica en un hospital de alta complejidad en Cali, 2011 a 2017 / Clinical and epidemiological description of patients with chronic pancreatitis treated at a quaternary care hospital in Cali, 2011-2017

Resumen Introducción: la pancreatitis crónica (PC) es una inflamación progresiva del páncreas que puede llevar a su destrucción e insuficiencia irreversibles. Es una patología desafiante para el médico, debido a que establecer su diagnóstico puede tomar meses e incluso años, el seguimiento de pacientes suele ser problemático y el conocimiento sobre la clínica y epidemiología en Colombia es incompleto. Este estudio pretende hacer una descripción de pacientes con PC en un centro de referencia en gastroenterología de Cali, Colombia. Metodología: estudio de corte transversal de pacientes adultos con PC confirmada por criterios clínicos y radiológicos entre 2011 y 2017. Resultados: se incluyeron 36 pacientes con PC. La mayoría fueron hombres (72,2%) y la media de edad fue 56 (+ 15,1) años. El dolor abdominal crónico fue la presentación clínica más común (83,3%). Cerca de un cuarto de pacientes presentaba diabetes mellitus (22,2%). Se consideró etiología idiopática en 58,3%, alcohólica en el 11,0% y biliar en el 11,0%. La tomografía axial computarizada (TAC), resonancia magnética (RMN) y colangiopancreatografía por RMN fueron los métodos diagnósticos más usados (60,5%), con los que en su mayoría se visualizó atrofia (53,1%), dilatación de conductos (49,0%) y calcificaciones del páncreas (34,7%). Conclusión: los síntomas inespecíficos de la PC en fases iniciales y su largo curso clínico favorecen al subdiagnóstico de esta patología. Los resultados presentados pueden contribuir a la futura creación de escalas clínicas locales que orienten estudios radiológicos y genéticos tempranos, con el fin de lograr un diagnóstico oportuno y mejorar la calidad de vida de estos pacientes.

Abstract Introduction: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a progressive inflammation of the pancreas that can lead to irreversible damage and failure. This condition poses great challenges to physicians since its diagnosis can take months or even years. Patient follow-up is often problematic and knowledge about its clinical presentation and epidemiology in Colombia is scarce. This study aims to describe patients with CP treated at a gastroenterology reference center in Cali, Colombia. Methodology: Cross-sectional study in adult patients with CP confirmed based on clinical and radiological criteria between 2011 and 2017. Results: 36 patients with CP were included. The majority were men (72.2%), and the mean age was 56 (+15.1) years. Chronic abdominal pain was the most common clinical presentation (83.3%). About a quarter of patients had diabetes mellitus (22.2%). Etiology was idiopathic in 58.3%, alcoholic in 11.0%, and biliary in 11.0%. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and MRI cholangiopancreatography were the most commonly used diagnostic methods (60.5%), showing mostly atrophy (53.1%), duct dilation (49.0%), and pancreatic calcifications (34.7%). Conclusion: Nonspecific symptoms of CP in early stages and its long clinical course favor the underdiagnosis of this condition. The results presented may contribute to the future creation of local clinical scales that guide early radiological and genetic studies to achieve a timely diagnosis and improve the quality of life of these patients.

Role of imaging in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. / Papel de la imagen en el diagnóstico de la pancreatitis crónica.

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive fibroinflammatory process in the pancreas that causes permanent structural damage and leads to a deterioration in exocrine and endocrine function. The appearance of flares of acute pancreatitis, pseudocysts, and inflammatory masses all form part of the natural history of this disease. Vascular and / or digestive complications may occur, and patients with chronic pancreatitis have an increased risk of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. For all these reasons, diagnostic tests that can detect chronic pancreatitis are necessary, especially in the early stages of the disease. We propose a diagnostic algorithm that should progress from noninvasive techniques to invasive procedures. Computed tomography can rule out other causes of abdominal pain and identify complications of pancreatitis. Magnetic resonance cholangiography can be the method of choice because it enables changes in the ducts to be assessed and might obviate the need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. When the findings on imaging tests are normal but clinical suspicion persists, pancreatic function tests or endoscopic ultrasound should be considered.

Prevalence of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in patients with chronic pancreatitis without follow-up. PANCR-EVOL Study.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is an important complication of chronic pancreatitis (CP). Guidelines recommend to rule out EPI in CP, to detect those patients who would benefit from pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of EPI in patients with CP without follow-up in the last 2 years and to describe their nutritional status and quality of life (QoL). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional, multicenter Spanish study. CP patients without follow-up by a gastroenterologist or surgeon in at least 2 years were included. EPI was defined as fecal elastase test <200mcg/g. For nutritional assessment, laboratory and anthropometric data were obtained. QoL was investigated using the EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire. RESULTS: 64 patients (mean age 58.8±10.3 years, 85.9% men) from 10 centers were included. Median time since diagnosis of CP was 58.7 months [37.7-95.4]. Forty-one patients (64.1%) had EPI. Regarding nutritional status, the following differences were observed (EPI vs. Non-EPI): BMI (23.9±3.5kg/m2 vs. 25.7±2.5, p=0.03); glucose (121 [96-189] mg/dL vs. 98 [90-116], p=0.006); HbA1c 6.6% [6.0-8.4] vs. 5.5 [5.3-6.0], p=0.0005); Vitamin A (0.44mg/L [0.35-0.57] vs. 0.53 [0.47-0.63], p=0.048) and Vitamin E (11.2±5.0µg/ml vs. 14.4±4.3, p=0.03). EPI group showed a worse EORTC QLQ-C30 score on physical (93.3 [66.7-100] vs. 100 [93.3-100], p=0.048) and cognitive function (100 [83.3-100] vs. 100 [100-100], p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of EPI is high in patients with CP without follow-up. EPI group had higher levels of glucose, lower levels of vitamins A and E and worse QoL.

Factors associated with malnutrition in adolescent and adult patients with cystic fibrosis / Fatores associados à desnutrição em pacientes adolescentes e adultos com fibrose cística

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence of malnutrition in patients attending an adult cystic fibrosis (CF) program and to investigate the associations of malnutrition with the clinical characteristics of those patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving patients with clinically stable CF patients (16 years of age or older). The patients underwent clinical assessment, nutritional assessments, pulmonary function tests, and pancreatic function assessment. They also completed a questionnaire regarding diet compliance. On the basis of their nutritional status, the patients were classified divided into three groups: adequate nutrition; at nutritional risk; and malnutrition. Results: The study has included 73 patients (mean age, 25.6 ± 7.3 years), 40 of whom (54.8%) were female. The mean body mass index was 21.0 ± 3.0 kg/m2 and the mean FEV1 was 59.7 ± 30.6% of predicted. In this sample of patients, 32 (43.8%), 23 (31.5%), and 18 (24.7%) of the patients were allocated to the adequate nutrition, nutritional risk, and malnutrition groups, respectively. The logistic regression analysis identified three independent factors associated with the risk of malnutrition: Shwachman-Kulczycki score, percent predicted FEV1; and age. Conclusions: Malnutrition remains a common complication in adolescents and adults with CF, despite dietary advice. Malnutrition is associated with age, clinical severity, and lung function impairment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de desnutrição em pacientes de um programa para adultos com fibrose cística (FC) e investigar a relação da desnutrição com as características clínicas desses pacientes. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo transversal com pacientes com FC clinicamente estáveis (com 16 anos de idade ou mais). Os pacientes foram submetidos a avaliação clínica, avaliação nutricional, testes de função pulmonar e avaliação da função pancreática. Eles também preencheram um questionário sobre sua adesão à dieta proposta. Os pacientes foram divididos em três grupos, de acordo com seu estado nutricional: nutrição adequada, risco nutricional e desnutrição. Resultados: O estudo incluiu 73 pacientes (média de idade: 25,6 ± 7,3 anos), dos quais 40 (54,8%) eram do sexo feminino. A média do índice de massa corporal foi de 21,0 ± 3,0 kg/m2, e a média do VEF1 foi de 59,7 ± 30,6% do previsto. Nessa amostra de pacientes, 32 (43,8%) ficaram no grupo com nutrição adequada, 23 (31,5%) ficaram no grupo com risco nutricional e 18 (24,7%) ficaram no grupo com desnutrição. A análise de regressão logística identificou três fatores independentes relacionados com o risco de desnutrição: escore de Shwachman-Kulczycki, VEF1 em % do previsto e idade. Conclusões: A desnutrição ainda é uma complicação comum em adolescentes e adultos com FC, não obstante o aconselhamento dietético. A desnutrição está relacionada com a idade, a gravidade clínica e o comprometimento da função pulmonar.

Latest advances in chronic pancreatitis. / Últimos avances en pancreatitis crónica.

This article summarizes some of the recent and clinically relevant advances in chronic pancreatitis. These advances mainly concern the definition of the disease, the etiological diagnosis of idiopathic disease, the correlation between fibrosis degree and pancreatic secretion in the early stages of chronic pancreatitis, the treatment of the disease and of pain, the clinical relevance of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis. A new mechanistic definition of chronic pancreatitis has been proposed. Genetic testing is mainly of help in patients with relapsing idiopathic pancreatitis. A significant correlation has been shown between the degree of pancreatic fibrosis as evaluated by elastography and pancreatic secretion of bicarbonate. New data supports the efficacy of antioxidants and simvastatin for the therapy of chronic pancreatitis. The pancreatoscopy-guided intraductal lithotripsy is an effective alternative to extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in patients with chronic calcifying pancreatitis. The presence of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in patients with chronic pancreatitis is associated with a significant risk of cardiovascular events. Fine needle biopsy and contrast enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography are of help for the diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis and its differential diagnosis with pancreatic cancer.

Diarrea crónica en el diabético: Una revisión de la literatura / Chronic diarrhea in the diabetic: A review of the literature

Desde hace más de 70 años se conoce la asociación de diarrea con diabetes mellitus. En pacientes diabéticos su prevalencia es de alrededor del 20%. Sus manifestaciones clínicas son diversas, y representa un reto diagnóstico y terapéutico. Existen ciertos diagnósticos de mayor prevalencia en pacientes diabéticos que en la población general. Las distintas etiologías relacionadas pueden ser diagnosticadas adecuadamente a través de la historia clínica y pruebas diagnósticas complementarias. Los medicamentos utilizados por el paciente diabético para el manejo de su enfermedad, frecuentemente causan diarrea crónica, por lo que se debe profundizar en los antecedentes farmacológicos al momento de estudiar la diarrea. Los pacientes diabéticos pueden presentar otras condiciones patológicas asociadas, como enfermedad celíaca o colitis microscópica, cuya molestia única es la diarrea. La función del páncreas exocrino puede estar disminuida en el paciente diabético, frecuentemente llevando a insuficiencia pancreática exocrina. Factores dietarios, como los edulcorantes libres de azúcar y otros agentes, pueden causar diarrea en el paciente diabético. La presencia de condiciones como la neuropatía autonómica y neuropatía periférica secundarias a la diabetes mellitus, pueden explicar desordenes como la disfunción anorrectal y la incontinencia fecal. Finalmente, la enteropatía diabética per se o con sobrecrecimiento bacteriano asociado, puede causar diarrea. Lograr un control glicémico adecuado constituye el pilar del tratamiento de la diarrea en el diabético, después de esto existen medidas adicionales que se aplican según el contexto especifico del paciente. En el presente artículo se revisan las causas de mayor incidencia diarrea en el paciente diabético y los mecanismos fisiopatológicos implicados

The association of diarrhea with diabetes mellitus has been known for more than 70 years. In diabetic patients its prevalence is around 20%.Its clinical manifestations are diverse, and represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.There are certain diagnoses of higher prevalence in diabetic patients than in the general population.The different related etiologies can be adequately diagnosed through the clinical history and complementary diagnostic tests.The medications used by the diabetic patient to manage their disease often cause chronic diarrhea, so the pharmacological background should be studied at the time of the study of diarrhea.Diabetic patients can present other associated pathological conditions, such as celiac disease or microscopic colitis, which only discomfort is diarrhea.Exocrine pancreatic function may be decreased in the diabetic patient, frequently leading to exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Dietary factors, such as sugar-free sweeteners and other agents, can cause diarrhea in the diabetic patient.The presence of conditions such as autonomic neuropathy and peripheral neuropathy secondary to diabetes mellitus may explain disorders such as anorectal dysfunction and faecal incontinence. Finally, diabetic enteropathy alone or with associated bacterial overgrowth can cause diarrhea.Achieving adequate glycemic control is the pillar of the treatment of diarrhea in the diabetic, after which there are additional measures that are applied according to the specific context of the patient.This article reviews the causes of higher diarrhea incidence in the diabetic patient and the pathophysiological mechanisms involved

Type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis: case scenario and review of the disease

Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is an uncommon disease that represents a diagnostic challenge unless it is considered as a cause of acute pancreatitis, pancreatic exocrine insufficiency and a pancreatic mass. This entity is under diagnosed and successful medical therapy is available. In this paper, we will describe a case of a 59 year-old, Hispanic woman diagnosed with autoimmune pancreatitis, a disease previously believed to affect typically older men. We will review the definition, types, clinical manifestations, radiological features, serology, histopathological findings, treatment strategies and diagnostic criteria of autoimmune pancreatitis

La pancreatitis autoinmune (PAI) es una enfermedad rara que se presenta como un reto diagnóstico a menos que sea considerada como causa de pancreatitis aguda, insuficiencia pancreática exocrina y masa pancreática. Es una enfermedad sub diagnosticada y existe una terapia médica satisfactoria. En este trabajo, describiremos un caso de una mujer hispana de 59 años diagnosticada de pancreatitis autoinmune, una enfermedad que se creía previamente que afectaba típicamente a hombres de avanzada edad. Revisaremos la definición, los tipos, las manifestaciones clínicas, hallazgos radiológicos, serología, hallazgos histopatológicos, estrategias de tratamiento y criterios diagnósticos de la pancreatitis autoinmune

[Latest advances in chronic pancreatitis]. / Últimos avances en pancreatitis crónica.

This article summarizes some of the recent and clinically relevant advances in chronic pancreatitis. These advances mainly concern the early diagnosis of the disease, the treatment of symptoms and complications, mainly pain and pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, and the diagnosis and therapy of autoimmune pancreatitis. The multimodal dynamic endoscopic ultrasound-guided secretin-stimulated evaluation of the pancreas provides relevant morphological and functional information for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis at early stages. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in patients with calcifying pancreatitis and endoscopic pancreatic stent placement are effective alternatives for pain therapy in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Presence of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in patients with chronic pancreatitis is associated with a significantly increase of mortality rate. Despite that, pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy is not prescribed in the majority of patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, or it is prescribed at a low dose. The newly developed and commercialized needles for endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic biopsy are effective in retrieving appropriate tissue samples for the histological diagnosis of autoimmune pancreatitis. Maintenance therapy with azathioprine is effective and safe to prevent relapses in patients with autoimmune pancreatitis.

Comparison of fccal elastase 1 for exocrine panreatic insufficiency evaluationn between ex-alcoholics and chronic pancreatitis patietts / Comparação da elastase fecal 1 para avaliação de insuficiência pancreática exócrina entre ex-alcoólatras e pacientes com pancreatite crônica

Context Fecal elastase is a noninvasive test for pancreatic insufficiency diagnosis. Objectives Evaluate the usefulness of fecal elastase 1 for the indication of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency among former alcohol addicts and patients with chronic pancreatitis. Methods Forty-three patients with chronic pancreatitis and thirty-three asymptomatic former alcohol addicts entered the study. The levels of fecal elastase 1 were measured using a commercial kit. Pancreatic imaging findings were used to categorize the groups. Results The levels of fecal elastase 1 were significantly lower in the patients than in the former alcohol addicts and in the group with tissue calcifications, duct alterations, or atrophy. With a cutoff level of 100 μg/g, the sensitivity of fecal elastase 1 in chronic pancreatitis was 46.51% and its specificity was 87.88% with a positive predictive value of 83.33% and a negative predictive value of 55.77%. When patients were stratified according to the severity of their pancreatitis, the sensitivity was 6.25% for mild pancreatitis and 70.37% for marked pancreatitis. Conclusion Low level of fecal elastase 1 was associated with marked rather than mild chronic pancreatitis; however, it may be useful to indicate pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in asymptomatic former alcohol addicts. .

Contexto O teste de elastase fecal é um teste não invasivo para diagnosticar insuficiência pancreática. Objetivos Avaliar a utilidade da elastase fecal 1 como indicador de insuficiência pancreática entre ex alcoólatras e pacientes com pancreatite crônica. Métodos Quarenta e três pacientes com pancreatite crônica e 33 ex alcoólatras assintomáticos entraram no estudo. Os níveis de elastase fecal 1 foram medidos usando kit comercial. Os achados de imagem pancreática foram usados para categorizar os grupos. Resultados Os níveis de elastase fecal 1 foram significantemente menores nos pacientes que nos ex alcoólatras e no grupo com calcificações teciduais, alterações de ductos, ou atrofia. A sensibilidade da elastase fecal 1 na pancreatite crônica foi de 46,51% e a especificidade foi de 87,88%, com valor preditivo positivo de 83,33% e valor preditivo negativo de 55,77%. Quando os pacientes foram estratificados segundo a severidade da pancreatite, a sensibilidade foi de 6,25% para pancreatite crônica leve e 70,37% para pancreatite crônica severa. Conclusão Baixo nível de elastase fecal foi associado com pancreatite crônica severa mais do que com a leve; entretanto, pode ser útil para indicar insuficiência pancreática exócrina entre os ex alcoólatras. .

[Latest advances in chronic pancreatitis]. / Últimos avances en pancreatitis crónica.

This article summarizes some of the recent and clinically relevant advances in chronic pancreatitis. These advances mainly concern knowledge of the etiopathogenesis of the disease, the pharmacological treatment of pain, and knowledge of the natural history of autoimmune pancreatitis. New evidence supports the relatively low prevalence of chronic alcoholic pancreatitis, and the role of tobacco in triggering the etiopathogenic mechanisms of chronic pancreatitis is better understood. Some studies have identified certain factors that are associated with having a positive genetic test in adults with chronic idiopathic pancreatitis, which should help to select those patients who should undergo genetic studies. Antioxidant therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing pain secondary to chronic pancreatitis, although the type and optimal dose of antioxidants remains to be elucidated. Finally, the development of exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a very common finding during the long-term follow-up of patients with autoimmune pancreatitis. Smoking also seems to play a role in this type of pancreatitis.

Utilidade da concentração da elastase-1 fecal monoclonal na avaliação da função pancreática nos pacientes com fibrose cística / Use of monoclonal faecal elastase-1 concentration for pancreatic status assessment in cystic fibrosis patients

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a concentração da elastase-1 (EL-1) fecal em pacientes pediátricos com fibrose cística, portadores da mutação ∆F508. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal com amostras colhidas consecutivamente de 51 pacientes com idade entre 4 meses e 17 anos (média 9,11±4,74), sendo 32 (62,8 por cento) pacientes do sexo masculino. Houve coleta de dados clínico-demográficos e do tipo de mutação. A insuficiência pancreática exócrina foi definida pela atividade da EL-1 fecal < 200 µg/g. A quantificação da EL-1 foi realizada pelo método ELISA monoclonal (ScheBo Biotech AG, Germany). A suplementação pancreática foi utilizada em 46 (90,2 por cento) pacientes. RESULTADOS: Quarenta e um (80,4 por cento) pacientes apresentaram insuficiência pancreática (EL-1 fecal < 100 µg/g), sendo 17 (41,5 por cento) homozigotos, 14 heterozigotos (34,1 por cento) e 10 sem ∆F508 (24,4 por cento). Ao considerar a mutação, houve associação estatisticamente significativa entre os homozigotos e a concentração da EL-1 fecal < 100 µg/g (p = 0,010). Todos os pacientes considerados insuficientes pancreáticos (n = 41) pelo teste utilizavam suplemento pancreático. Dez (19,6 por cento) apresentaram EL-1 fecal > 200 µg/g, e 5/10 (50 por cento) utilizavam enzimas. CONCLUSÕES: A atividade de EL-1 fecal < 100 µg/g, indicativa de insuficiência pancreática, apresentou-se em 17/17 (100 por cento) dos homozigotos, conforme o esperado, sendo menos frequente nos heterozigotos para ∆F508 e nos pacientes com ausência dessa mutação. Não houve relação entre a concentração da EL-1 fecal com idade e sexo dos pacientes. O teste foi padronizado, é de fácil execução e poderá ser utilizado para avaliação da função pancreática dos pacientes com fibrose cística.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the concentration of faecal elastase-1 (EL-1) in pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis with mutation ∆F508. METHODS: Cross-sectional study with samples collected consecutively from 51 patients aged 4 months to 17 years old (mean 9.11±4.74); 32 (62.8 percent) patients were male. Clinical-demographic data were collected, as well as data on the type of mutation. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency was established by the activity of faecal EL-1 < 200 µg/g. EL-1 was quantified through the monoclonal ELISA method (ScheBo Biotech AG, Germany). Pancreatic supplements were used in 46 (90.2 percent) patients. RESULTS: Forty-one (80.4 percent) patients presented with pancreatic insufficiency (EL-1 fecal < 100 µg/g): 17 (41.5 percent) were homozygous, 14 were heterozygous (34.1 percent) and 10 were non-∆F508 (24.4 percent). Regarding the mutation, there was a statistically significant association of homozygosity with faecal EL-1 concentration < 100 µg/g (p = 0.010). All patients considered to be pancreatic insufficient (n = 41) by the test were using pancreatic supplements. Ten (19.6 percent) presented faecal EL-1 > 200 µg/g, and 5/10 (50 percent) used enzymes. CONCLUSIONS: The activity of faecal EL-1 < 100 µg/g, indicating pancreatic insufficiency, was observed in 17/17 (100 percent) of homozygous patients, as expected, and was less frequent in patients who were heterozygous for ∆F508 and in patients without the mutation. There was no association of faecal EL-1 concentration with age and sex of patients. The test was standardized, is easy to execute, and can be used to assess the pancreatic status of patients with cystic fibrosis.