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Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency — RCPSC IM MCQ

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HardGastroenterology/HepatologyPancreatic exocrine insufficiencyRCPSC IM

A patient with chronic pancreatitis has weight loss, steatorrhea, low fat-soluble vitamins and low fecal elastase. What is the best treatment?

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Correct answer: B — Start pancreatic enzyme replacement with meals and provide nutrition and vitamin support

The best answer is “Start pancreatic enzyme replacement with meals and provide nutrition and vitamin support”. Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency requires adequate enzyme replacement taken with food, plus nutritional assessment and replacement of deficiencies. Restriction alone worsens malnutrition and the alternatives treat different causes of diarrhea.

Reference: Canadian Association of Gastroenterology guideline library: https://www.cag-acg.org/guideline-library.html