Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a digestive disorder characterized by the inadequate synthesis, secretion, or intraluminal activity of pancreatic digestive enzymes—predominantly pancreatic lipase—and bicarbonate This deficit disrupts normal gastrointestinal nutrient breakdown, resulting in global maldigestion and secondary malabsorption Pathophysiologically driven by parenchymal destruction, ductal obstruction, or postcibal asynchrony, it most frequently occurs in adults with chronic pancre...

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is a digestive disorder characterized by the inadequate synthesis, secretion, or intraluminal activity of pancreatic digestive enzymes—predominantly pancreatic lipase—and bicarbonate Clinically, affected individuals present with steatorrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, and secondary complications related to fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies and chronic malnutrition

This deficit disrupts normal gastrointestinal nutrient breakdown, resulting in global maldigestion and secondary malabsorption Pathophysiologically driven by parenchymal destruction, ductal obstruction, or postcibal asynchrony, it most frequently occurs in adults with chronic pancreatitis and in pediatric populations with cystic fibrosis, as well as following gastrointestinal surgeries or pancreatic neoplasms

Clinically, affected individuals present with steatorrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, and secondary complications related to fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies and chronic malnutrition