Longitudinal Follow-Up of Exocrine Pancreatic Function in Pancreatic Sufficient Cystic Fibrosis Patients Using the Fecal Elastase-1 Test

Abstract

The decline of EPF in patients with CF appears more frequently during the first months and years of life. However, late PS to pancreatic-insufficient (PI) conversion is also possible. The appearance of maldigestion is preceded by the decrease of fecal E1 concentration. Thus, the fecal E1 test is a helpful screening tool for the longitudinal assessment of declining EPF in PS patients with CF to demonstrate pancreatic deterioration. In suspected patients, fecal fat excretion should be assessed.