Delayed release pancrelipase for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency associated with cystic fibrosis

Review

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Author: Susan S Baker

Published Date October 2008 Volume 2008:4(5) Pages 1079 - 1084

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2147/TCRM.S3123

Susan S Baker

Department of Pediatrics, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA

Abstract: Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is the only treatment for malabsorption in cystic fi brosis (CF) caused by pancreatic insufficiency (PI). PI occurs in approximately 85% of patients with CF. PERT overcomes some, but not all the signs and symptoms of malabsorption. Clinical parameters such as growth, abdominal pain, diarrhea and gassiness, commonly used to adjust PERT dosing, are shown not to be good indicators of their effectiveness. The FDA does not provide oversight of preparations of pancreatic enzymes consistent with the oversight it provides for all other drugs. The FDA intends to rectify this situation. Measures of the effectiveness of PERT are limited to the coefficient of fat absorption, a difficult and unpleasant exercise for patients.

Keywords: pancrelipase, cystic fibrosis, malabsorption, pancreatic enzymes