Chymotrypsin output in the stools in pancreatic and other diseases.

Abstract

Chymotrypsin output in the stools (u./24 hr.) has been calculated from analysis of single stool samples, using cuprous isothiocyanate as a continuous marker. The values thus calculated agreed favorably with those calculated from three-day stool collections. In 45 controls, with and without steatorrhea, chymotrypsin output was above 10,000 u./24 hr. In six patients with pancreatic insufficiency the values were considerably lower. In 10 patients with pancreatic disease without insufficiency the values were in the normal range. The method was found very useful in the diagnosis of pancreatic insufficiency. It was not sensitive enough to detect lesser degrees of pancreatic damage.