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Information

No specific laboratory test for chronic pancreatitis. Serum amylase and lipase levels are often normal. Serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase may be elevated. The fecal elastase-1 and small-bowel biopsy are useful in the evaluation of pts with suspected pancreatic steatorrhea. Impaired glucose tolerance is present in >50% of pts. Secretin stimulation test is a relatively sensitive test for pancreatic exocrine deficiency and becomes abnormal when 60% of the pancreatic exocrine function has been lost.

Outline

Section 11. Gastroenterology