Gastroenterologist follow-up improves EPI management in pancreatic disorders

Key clinical point: Patients with chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, and pancreatic resection, followed-up by a gastroenterologist had higher rates of screening for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) and appropriate prescription of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT).

Major finding: EPI screening by measurement of pancreatic elastase (odds ratio [OR], 5.94; P less than .001), PERT prescription (OR, 2.02; P less than .001), and prescription for a minimally effective dosage (OR, 1.5; P = .008) was higher in patients followed-up by gastroenterologist (n=470) vs. those who were not (n=994).

Study details: This retrospective study assessed 1,464 patients with either EPI, chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or pancreatic resection at the University of Florida between February 2018 and February 2020.

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Disclosures: No source of funding was identified.

Source: Ladna M et al. Gastroenterology. 2021 May 10. doi: 10.1016/S0016-5085(21)01015-5.