Fate of orally ingested enzymes in pancreatic insufficiency: comparison of two pancreatic enzyme preparations

SUMMARY The effect on steatorrhoea of a pH‐sensitive enteric‐coated pancreatic preparation (Eurobiol 25 000) was compared with a conventional pancreatic enzyme preparation (Eurobiol) in six adult patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. In addition, the fate of orally ingested pancreatic enzymes in the upper digestive tract was evaluated by measuring gastric and duodenal pH, amount of enzymes in the stomach, duodenal enzyme output, and fat absorption at the angle of Treitz for the 4 hours following a standard meal. When compared with placebo, Eurobiol and Eurobiol 25 000 reduced daily faecal fat excretion by 24% (not significant) and 43% (P < 0.05), respectively. With the conventional preparation, enzyme output and fat absorption at the duodeno‐jejunal flexure were significantly improved (P < 0.05). Marked inter‐individual differences in duodenal enzyme recovery (lipase 3% to 80%; chymotrypsin 26% to 100%) and, consequently, in the reduction of steatorrhoea (0% to 67%) were observed, with the gastric emptying rate emerging as a key determinant factor. With the enteric‐coated preparation, enzyme output and fat absorption at the duodenojejunal flexure were not significantly improved. Discrepancy between the marked reduction of faecal fat excretion and the low duodenal enzyme recovery could indicate that enzyme delivery from microtablets occurs further down in the small bowel. Efficacy of enteric‐coated preparations could be enhanced by adding unprotected enzymes, especially in patients with rapid gastric emptying.