A Systematic Review of Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Prevalence and Treatment in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and pancreatic exocrine replacement therapy in clinical practice

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a complex condition that disrupts normal digestion and absorption. Patients with EPI may suffer from mild to debilitating malabsorption with a constellation of symptoms that can have a significant effect on quality of life and nutrition status. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is effective and safe to treat EPI and is the standard of care for this condition. A wide variety and various forms of these products exist, as well as numerous guidelines and recommendations. Obtaining PERT for patients can oftentimes be cost prohibitive. Determining the presence and extent of EPI can be challenging and patient specific, making it difficult for practitioners. This narrative review will explore these issues, as well as several disease states potentially affected by EPI, and review current management strategies.

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency Dosing Guidelines for Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy Vary Widely Across Disease Types

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is the standard treatment for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). However, many individuals are inadequately treated, with gaps in clinical dosing, guidelines, and tools to aid individual titration.

METHODS

A systematic review identified research and guidelines on PERT dosing recommendations across conditions, systematically reviewing and synthesizing total PERT intake, meal/snack guidelines, and changes over time to provide an up-to-date look at the most common doses used in studies and guidelines.

RESULTS

This review of 257 articles found wide variability in PERT dosing guidelines within and across conditions. Many patients with EPI are underdosed, with guidelines differing globally and by disease type, and clinician prescribing may also play a role. The most common dosing guidelines focus on starting doses at 40,000-50,000 units of lipase/meal with increases of up to two to three times this amount before pursuing additive therapies. Guidelines and studies typically focus only on fat digestion, and comparison by total daily dose shows underdosing is common. Most PERT studies are on safety and efficacy rather than optimal titration.

CONCLUSION

The current guidelines for PERT in EPI demonstrate substantial variability in dosing recommendations, both within and across disease types. This variation highlights the need for further research to optimize PERT dosing and improve patient outcomes. Healthcare providers should consider individualizing PERT dosing based on nutritional status and response to therapy, ensuring regular follow-up with patients for dose titrations with consideration that most guidelines are framed as initial doses rather than upper limits.

Survey of Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy Dosing Experiences in Adults with Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

OBJECTIVES

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is essential for treating exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI), a condition where the pancreas does not produce adequate enzymes for digestion. This study delves into the real-world experiences of individuals with EPI regarding their PERT usage.

METHODS

A study was executed using a tailored survey targeting individuals with EPI. Quantitative data analysis assessed factors such as age, duration of EPI, elastase levels, choice of PERT, perceived effectiveness of titration, and the time taken for effective titration.

RESULTS

The study comprised 111 participants, predominantly female (93%) and hailing from North America (79%). Of these, 36.7% had been diagnosed with EPI for 3 or more years. A significant 72% felt they were not consistently consuming adequate enzymes, with only 22% believing their intake was sufficient. There were 44 participants (42%) still in the process of adjusting their enzyme doses. In contrast, 17 participants (16%) took a few weeks, 21 (20%) a few months, 11 (10%) over six months, 10 (9%) more than a year, and 3 (3%) several years for dose adjustment. Regarding enzyme titration advice, 30 participants (29%) received vague guidance, while 22 (21%) found the advice beneficial.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscores the pressing need for enhanced PERT dosing guidance. The insights gleaned spotlight the prevalent undertreatment across the entire EPI demographic, including in those with lesser-studied co-conditions.