Fecal Elastase 1, Serum Amylase and Lipase Levels in Children with Cholestasis
Resource
PANCREATOLOGY v.5 n.4-5 pp.432-437
Journal
PANCREATOLOGY
Journal Volume
v.5
Journal Issue
n.4-5
Pages
432-437
Date Issued
2005
Date
2005
Author(s)
WEN, WAN-HSIN
CHEN, HUEY-LING
Abstract
Background/Aim: The pancreatic functions of children with cholestatic liver diseases were unclear. Due to anatomic vicinity and common ontogenic origin, hepatobiliary disorders of infancy may also affect pancreatic function. The aim of the study was to evaluate the exocrine pancreatic function and common pancreatic function tests in children with cholestatic disorders. Methods: In 40 children with cholestasis, fecal elastase 1 (FE 1) concentrations were measured. Serum amylase and lipase values were tested. The diagnoses included 32 patients with extrahepatic cholestasis ( biliary atresia (BA) and choledochal cyst), and 8 patients with intrahepatic cholestasis (progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis and Alagille syndrome). None had renal insufficiency or clinical symptoms/ signs of acute pancreatitis. Results: All the patients had normal FE1 (> 200 µg/g). Nineteen percent (7/37) had elevated serum amylase levels (>100 U/l). Thirty-two percent (12/37) had elevated serum lipase levels above the normal (>120 U/l). Seventy-three percent (8/11) of BA patients with bilirubin > 2 mg/dl had elevated serum lipase levels compared to 18% (3 / 17) with bilirubin 2 mg/dl (p = 0.0036). None had detectable pancreatic abnormality on ultrasonography and magnetic resonance images. Conclusions: None of the cholestatic children in this study had exocrine pancreatic insufficiency as detected by FE1. Hyperamylasemia and/or hyperlipasemia were frequently found. In children with BA, those with impaired biliary excretion tended to have elevated serum pancreatic enzymes as compared with those who had no jaundice. A decreased hepatic metabolism may be the cause.
Subjects
Fecal elastase 1
Amylase
Lipase
Biliary atresia
Progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis
Byler disease
Type
journal article