Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency following pancreatoduodenectomy: A prospective bi-center study

V. J. Kroon, L. A. Daamen, D. S. J. Tseng, A. Roele- de Vreugd, L. J. H. Brada, O. R. Busch, T. C. Derksen, A. Gerritsen, S. J. E. Rombouts, F. J. Smits, M. S. Walma, R. A. W. Wennink, M. G. Besselink, H. C. van Santvoort, I. Q. Molenaar

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is a common complication following pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) leading to malnutrition. The course of PEI and related symptoms and vitamin deficiencies is unknown. This study aimed to assess the (long-term) incidence of PEI and vitamin deficiencies after PD. METHODS: A bi-centre prospective observational cohort study was performed, including patients who underwent PD for mainly pancreatic and periampullary (pre)malignancies (2014-2018). Two cohorts were formed to evaluate short and long-term results. Patients were followed for 18 months and clinical symptoms were evaluated by questionnaire. PEI was based on faecal elastase-1 (FE-1) levels and/or clinical symptoms. RESULTS: In total, 95 patients were included. After three months, all but three patients had developed PEI and 27/29 (93%) patients of whom stool samples were available showed abnormal FE-1 levels, which did not improve during follow-up. After six months, all patients had developed PEI. During follow-up, symptoms resolved in 35%-70% of patients. Vitamin D and K deficiencies were observed in 48%-79% of patients, depending on the moment of follow-up; 0%-50% of the patients with deficiencies received vitamin supplementation. DISCUSSION: This prospective study found a high incidence of PEI after PD with persisting symptoms in one-to two thirds of all patients. Limited attention was paid to vitamin deficiencies. Improved screening and treatment strategies for PEI and vitamins need to be designed.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1020-1027
Number of pages8
JournalPancreatology
Volume22
Issue number7
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Nov 2022

Keywords

  • Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency
  • pancreatic cancer
  • pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy
  • pancreatic surgery

Cite this