Review article: Pancreatic function testing.

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Chowdhury RS, Forsmark CE

Review article: Pancreatic function testing.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2003 Mar 15;17(6):733-50.

PubMed ID

12641496 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

Pancreatic function tests are most commonly used to diagnose chronic pancreatitis. These tests include tests which document exocrine or endocrine gland insufficiency and tests which instead measure gradations of decreased secretory capacity. The tests in the former category generally become abnormal when advanced, longstanding chronic pancreatitis is present. Tests in the latter category, however, have the potential to detect chronic pancreatitis at an earlier stage than other available diagnostic tests, including commonly used imaging tests such as computed tomography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. This potential advantage of diagnostic sensitivity is, however, counterweighed by the fact that these tests which measure stimulated secretory capacity are only available at a very few referral centres. This article will review the variety of pancreatic function tests and describe their rationale, accuracy, cost, and clinical usefulness.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Bentiromide	Serine protease hepsin	Protein	Humans	Yes	Ligand	Details