BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES: In chronic pancreatitis, malabsorption of fat is common due to loss of exocrine function. Consequently, these patients are at risk to acquire deficiencies of the fat-soluble vitamins, which may result in a decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled all patients diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, who visited our outpatient clinic between March and November 2011. Data were collected regarding demographic characteristics, symptoms, and pancreatic function. Serum concentrations of vitamins A, E, K, and D were determined, and BMD was assessed by means of bone densitometry. Results were analyzed according to pancreatic function status and enzyme use, and compared to reference data, when available. RESULTS: Forty patients were included (43% female; mean age of 52). Alcohol abuse was the major cause of pancreatitis (50%). Twenty-eight patients were exocrine insufficient (70%), of whom 19 used pancreatic enzymes. Vitamin A, D, E, and K deficiencies were present in 3, 53, 10, and 63% of patients, respectively. Osteopenia and osteoporosis were observed in 45% and 10% of patients. A decreased BMD was more frequently observed than expected, based on reference data, even in exocrine sufficient patients. CONCLUSIONS: Deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins and a decreased BMD are frequently present in chronic pancreatitis, even in exocrine sufficient patients. Consequently, all patients with chronic pancreatitis should be routinely screened for fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies and a decreased BMD.
BACKGROUND/ OBJECTIVES: In chronic pancreatitis, malabsorption of fat is common due to loss of exocrine function. Consequently, these patients are at risk to acquire deficiencies of the fat-soluble vitamins, which may result in a decreased bone mineral density (BMD) and the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled all patients diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, who visited our outpatient clinic between March and November 2011. Data were collected regarding demographic characteristics, symptoms, and pancreatic function. Serum concentrations of vitamins A, E, K, and D were determined, and BMD was assessed by means of bone densitometry. Results were analyzed according to pancreatic function status and enzyme use, and compared to reference data, when available. RESULTS: Forty patients were included (43% female; mean age of 52). Alcohol abuse was the major cause of pancreatitis (50%). Twenty-eight patients were exocrine insufficient (70%), of whom 19 used pancreatic enzymes. Vitamin A, D, E, and K deficiencies were present in 3, 53, 10, and 63% of patients, respectively. Osteopenia and osteoporosis were observed in 45% and 10% of patients. A decreased BMD was more frequently observed than expected, based on reference data, even in exocrine sufficient patients. CONCLUSIONS: Deficiencies of fat-soluble vitamins and a decreased BMD are frequently present in chronic pancreatitis, even in exocrine sufficient patients. Consequently, all patients with chronic pancreatitis should be routinely screened for fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies and a decreased BMD.
Authors: Sunil G Sheth; Darwin L Conwell; David C Whitcomb; Matthew Alsante; Michelle A Anderson; Jamie Barkin; Randall Brand; Gregory A Cote; Steven D Freedman; Andres Gelrud; Fred Gorelick; Linda S Lee; Katherine Morgan; Stephen Pandol; Vikesh K Singh; Dhiraj Yadav; C Mel Wilcox; Phil A Hart Journal: Pancreatology Date: 2017-02-28 Impact factor: 3.996
Authors: Sinead N Duggan; Hazel M Ní Chonchubhair; Oladapo Lawal; Donal B O'Connor; Kevin C Conlon Journal: World J Gastroenterol Date: 2016-02-21 Impact factor: 5.742
Authors: Maisam Abu-El-Haija; Aliye Uc; Steven L Werlin; Alvin Jay Freeman; Miglena Georgieva; Danijela Jojkić-Pavkov; Daina Kalnins; Brigitte Kochavi; Bart G P Koot; Stephanie Van Biervliet; Jaroslaw Walkowiak; Michael Wilschanski; Veronique D Morinville Journal: J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr Date: 2018-07 Impact factor: 2.839