@article {Sonwalkar:February 2003:0953-0673:467,
	author = "Sonwalkar, S. A.",
	author = "Holbrook, I. B.",
	author = "Phillips, I.",
	author = "Kelly, S. M.",
	title = "A prospective, comparative study of the para-aminobenzoic acid test and faecal elastase 1 in the assessment of exocrine pancreatic function",
	journal = "Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics",
	volume = "17",
	year = "February 2003",
	abstract = "Summary Background <P></P>:&#8194;The assessment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is part of the routine work-up of patients with persistent diarrhoea or suspected steatorrhoea. Direct and indirect tests for the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency have their drawbacks. Measurement of faecal elastase 1 by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay is a simple, non-invasive, robust test for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Methods <P></P>:&#8194;We performed a prospective comparison of the para-aminobenzoic acid test and faecal elastase 1 test in 45 patients being investigated for diarrhoea or suspected steatorrhoea. Details of clinical suspicion, imaging and response to treatment were recorded. Results <P></P>:&#8194;Exocrine pancreatic function was normal in 20 patients with normal para-aminobenzoic acid and faecal elastase 1 levels. Eight patients had exocrine pancreatic insufficiency with low para-aminobenzoic acid and faecal elastase 1 levels, which improved with enzyme supplementation. In 14 of the 15 patients with low or borderline low para-aminobenzoic acid and normal faecal elastase 1 levels, a non-pancreatic cause was found; one patient had a false positive para-aminobenzoic acid test. Two had normal para-aminobenzoic acid but low faecal elastase 1 levels. One improved with pancreatic supplementation, and imaging revealed chronic pancreatitis. The other had a false positive faecal elastase 1 test related to profuse diarrhoea. Conclusions <P></P>:&#8194;Faecal elastase 1 estimation is a simple, non-invasive, robust test of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, performed on an out-patient stool sample. Its diagnostic performance is superior to that of the para-aminobenzoic acid test in investigating patients with diarrhoea or suspected steatorrhoea.",
	pages = "467-471(5)",
	url = "http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/bsc/apt/2003/00000017/00000003/art00021"
	doi = "doi:10.1046/j.1365-2036.2003.01451.x"
}