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Berry AJ, Bilbo A. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and pancreatic exocrine replacement therapy in clinical practice. Nutr Clin Pract 2024; 39 Suppl 1:S78-S88. [PMID: 38429965 DOI: 10.1002/ncp.11124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a complex condition that disrupts normal digestion and absorption. Patients with EPI may suffer from mild to debilitating malabsorption with a constellation of symptoms that can have a significant effect on quality of life and nutrition status. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is effective and safe to treat EPI and is the standard of care for this condition. A wide variety and various forms of these products exist, as well as numerous guidelines and recommendations. Obtaining PERT for patients can oftentimes be cost prohibitive. Determining the presence and extent of EPI can be challenging and patient specific, making it difficult for practitioners. This narrative review will explore these issues, as well as several disease states potentially affected by EPI, and review current management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy J Berry
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| | - Amy Bilbo
- Department of Clinical Nutrition, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Ramsey ML, Hart PA, Forsmark CE. Evaluation and management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency: pearls and pitfalls. Curr Opin Gastroenterol 2023; 39:428-435. [PMID: 37530731 PMCID: PMC10403264 DOI: 10.1097/mog.0000000000000951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The diagnosis and management of exocrine pancreatic dysfunction (EPD) can be challenging. EPD classically results from conditions that cause loss of pancreatic acinar cell function and decreased digestive enzyme production. However, several conditions may contribute to signs or symptoms of EPD with otherwise normal pancreatic exocrine function. A thoughtful approach to considering these conditions, along with their specific therapies, can guide a tailored management approach. RECENT FINDINGS An EPD severity classification schema has been proposed, which emphasizes a shift towards a more restrictive prescription of pancreas enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) for patients with milder EPD. In contrast, PERT use has been associated with a measurable survival benefit among individuals with EPD and pancreatic cancer, so the prescription of PERT may be more liberal in this population. Recent publications in the cystic fibrosis population offer pearls guiding the titration and optimization of PERT. SUMMARY Among individuals with severe EPD, PERT is an effective therapy. Among individuals with milder EPD, although PERT is effective, there may be opportunities to provide additional and potentially more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell L Ramsey
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Phil A Hart
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Christopher E Forsmark
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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Erchinger F, Tjora E, Nordaas IK, Dimcevski G, Olesen SS, Jensen N, Dahl EE, Borch A, Nøjgaard C, Novovic S, Barauskas G, Ignatavicius P, Vujasinovic M, Lőhr M, Laukkarinen J, Parhiala M, Drewes AM, Engjom T. Pancreatic enzyme treatment in chronic pancreatitis: Quality of management and adherence to guidelines-A cross-sectional observational study. United European Gastroenterol J 2022; 10:844-853. [PMID: 35981311 PMCID: PMC9557959 DOI: 10.1002/ueg2.12276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is a common complication in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP), leading to increased morbidity and mortality if not treated adequately. Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy|pancreas enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is the cornerstone in treatment of patients with PEI. In the present study, we use data from the Scandinavian Baltic Pancreatic Club database to examine adherence of PERT according to United European Gastroenterology evidence‐based guidelines treatment of CP. Patients and methods Patients with definitive or probable CP according to M‐ANNHEIM diagnostic criteria were included. We collected information on exposures, exocrine function, intake of pancreatic enzymes, and markers of nutrition. Fecal elastase <200 μg/g was defined as a marker for PEI. Enzyme replacement therapy of 100,000 lipase units or more was defined as adequate treatment. Results We included 1006 patients from 8 centers in five countries. Sixty‐four percent of the patients were correctly treated. Twenty‐five per cent of PEI patients were not taking enzymes at all, and 20% of PEI patients were undertreated with insufficient PERT doses according to the guidelines. Fourteen percent of patients with sufficient pancreatic function were receiving enzymes despite normal exocrine pancreatic function. There were center differences. Current smoking was associated with lack of treatment and alcohol abuse was associated with under‐treatment. There were no associations between “no treatment” or “under‐treatment” for underweight or vitamin D deficiency. Conclusion In our CP expert centers, the adherence to guidelines for enzyme treatment is insufficient. Both patient factors and center differences have influence on treatment adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erling Tjora
- Pediatric Department, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Georg Dimcevski
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Søren Schou Olesen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centre of Pancreatic Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Nanna Jensen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eva Efsen Dahl
- Department of Gastroenterology, Bispebjerg University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders Borch
- Department of Gastroenterology, Herlev University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Camilla Nøjgaard
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Srdan Novovic
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hvidovre University Hospital, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Giedrus Barauskas
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Povilas Ignatavicius
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Miroslav Vujasinovic
- Department of Upper Abdominal Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthias Lőhr
- Department of Gastroenterology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johanna Laukkarinen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Alimentary Tract Surgery, Tampere, University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mikael Parhiala
- Department of Gastroenterology and Alimentary Tract Surgery, Tampere, University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Asbjørn Mohr Drewes
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Centre of Pancreatic Diseases, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Trond Engjom
- Department of Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
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Desai N, Besaw RJ, Sedhom R, Qasim Hussaini SM, Blaes AH, Dusetzina SB, Gupta A. Estimated out-of-pocket costs for cancer-directed and supportive care medications for older adults with advanced pancreatic cancer. J Geriatr Oncol 2022; 13:754-757. [PMID: 35168921 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Desai
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Robert J Besaw
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Ramy Sedhom
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America; Penn Center for Cancer Care Innovation, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America
| | | | - Anne H Blaes
- Division of Hematology, Oncology & Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Stacie B Dusetzina
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America; Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Arjun Gupta
- Division of Hematology, Oncology & Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America.
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de Rijk FEM, van Veldhuisen CL, Besselink MG, van Hooft JE, van Santvoort HC, van Geenen EJM, Hegyi P, Löhr JM, Dominguez-Munoz JE, de Jonge PJF, Bruno MJ, Verdonk RC. Diagnosis and treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency in chronic pancreatitis: An international expert survey and case vignette study. Pancreatology 2022; 22:457-465. [PMID: 35346599 DOI: 10.1016/j.pan.2022.03.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Despite evidence-based guidelines, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide insight into the current opinion and clinical decision-making of international pancreatologists regarding the management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. METHODS An online survey and case vignette study was sent to experts in chronic pancreatitis and members of various pancreatic associations: EPC, E-AHPBA and DPSG. Experts were selected based on publication record from the past 5 years. RESULTS Overall, 252 pancreatologists participated of whom 44% had ≥ 15 years of experience and 35% treated ≥ 50 patients with chronic pancreatitis per year. Screening for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency as part of the diagnostic work-up for chronic pancreatitis is performed by 69% and repeated annually by 21%. About 74% considers nutritional assessment to be part of the standard work-up. Patients are most frequently screened for deficiencies of calcium (47%), iron (42%), vitamin D (61%) and albumin (59%). In case of clinically steatorrhea, 71% prescribes enzyme supplementation. Of all pancreatologists, 40% refers more than half of their patients to a dietician. Despite existing guidelines, 97% supports the need for more specific and tailored instructions regarding the management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. CONCLUSION This survey identified a lack of consensus and substantial practice variation among international pancreatologists regarding guidelines pertaining the management of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. These results highlight the need for further adaptation of these guidelines according to current expert opinion and the level of available scientific evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence E M de Rijk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Research and Development, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands.
| | - Charlotte L van Veldhuisen
- Department of Research and Development, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands; Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, the Netherlands
| | - Marc G Besselink
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism, the Netherlands
| | - Jeanin E van Hooft
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hjalmar C van Santvoort
- Department of Surgery, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands; Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Erwin J M van Geenen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter Hegyi
- Center for Translational Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - J-Matthias Löhr
- Center for Digestive Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juan E Dominguez-Munoz
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Pieter Jan F de Jonge
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marco J Bruno
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robert C Verdonk
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
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Gupta A, Nshuti L, Grewal US, Sedhom R, Check DK, Parsons HM, Blaes AH, Virnig BA, Lustberg MB, Subbiah IM, Nipp RD, Dy SM, Dusetzina SB. Financial Burden of Drugs Prescribed for Cancer-Associated Symptoms. JCO Oncol Pract 2022; 18:140-147. [PMID: 34558297 PMCID: PMC9213200 DOI: 10.1200/op.21.00466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The financial toxicity of anticancer drugs is well-documented, but little is known about the costs of drugs used to manage cancer-associated symptoms. METHODS We reviewed relevant guidelines and compiled drugs used to manage seven cancer-associated symptoms (anorexia and cachexia, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, constipation, diarrhea, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, cancer-associated fatigue, and chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting). Using GoodRx website, we identified the retail price (cash price at retail pharmacies) and lowest price (discounted, best-case scenario of out-of-pocket costs) for patients without insurance for each drug or formulation for a typical fill. We describe lowest prices here. RESULTS For anorexia and cachexia, costs ranged from $5 US dollars (USD; generic olanzapine or mirtazapine tablets) to $1,156 USD (brand-name dronabinol solution) and varied widely by formulation of the same drug or dosage: for olanzapine 5 mg, $5 USD (generic tablet) to $239 USD (brand-name orally disintegrating tablet). For chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, costs of duloxetine varied from $12 USD (generic) to $529 USD (brand-name). For constipation, the cost of sennosides or polyethylene glycol was <$15 USD, whereas newer agents such as methylnaltrexone were expensive ($1,001 USD). For diarrhea, the cost of generic loperamide or diphenoxylate-atropine tablets was <$15 USD. For exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, only brand-name formulations were available, range of cost, $1,072 USD-$1,514 USD. For cancer-associated fatigue, the cost of generic dexamethasone or dexmethylphenidate was <$15 USD, whereas brand-name modafinil was more costly ($1,284 USD). For a 4-drug nausea and vomiting prophylaxis regimen, costs ranged from $181 USD to $1,430 USD. CONCLUSION We highlight the high costs of many symptom control drugs and the wide variation in the costs of these drugs. These findings can guide patient-clinician discussions about cost-effectively managing symptoms, while promoting the use of less expensive formulations when possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Gupta
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Leonce Nshuti
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
| | - Udhayvir S. Grewal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Louisiana State University, Shreveport, LA
| | - Ramy Sedhom
- Division of Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, PA
| | - Devon K. Check
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Helen M. Parsons
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Anne H. Blaes
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | - Beth A. Virnig
- Division of Health Policy and Management, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
| | | | - Ishwaria M. Subbiah
- Division of Cancer Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Ryan D. Nipp
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA
| | - Sydney M. Dy
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Stacie B. Dusetzina
- Department of Health Policy, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN
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