The Nobel Prize of Physiology or Medicine, 1923: controversies on the discovery of the antidiabetic hormone

AIMS

To analyze the main contributions to the discovery of the antidiabetic hormone in the period between 1889, the year in which Oskar Minkowski demonstrated that complete pancreatectomy in dogs caused diabetes, and the year 1923, the date in which the clinical use of insulin was consolidated. A main objective has been to review the controversies that followed the Nobel Prize and to outline the role of the priority rule in Science.

METHODS

We have considered the priority rule defined by Robert Merton in 1957, which takes into account the date of acceptance of the report of a discovery in an accredited scientific journal and/or the granting of a patent, complemented by the criteria set out by Ronald Vale and Anthony Hyman (2016) regarding the transfer of information to the scientific community and its validation by it. The awarding of the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in October 1923 has represented a frame of reference. The claims and disputes regarding the prioritization of the contributions of the main researchers in the organotherapy of diabetes have been analyzed through the study of their scientific production and the debate generated in academic institutions.

MAIN RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

(1) According to the criteria of Merton, Vale and Hyman, the priority of the discovery of the antidiabetic hormone corresponds to the investigations developed in Europe by E. Gley (1900), GL Zülzer (1908) and NC Paulescu (1920). (2) The active principle of the pancreatic extracts developed by Zülzer (acomatol), Paulescu (pancreina) and Banting and Best (insulin) was the same. (3) JB Collip succeeded in isolating the active ingredient from the pancreatic extract in January 1922, eliminating impurities to the point of enabling its use in the clinic. (4) In 1972, the Nobel Foundation modified the purpose of the 1923 Physiology or Medicine award to Banting and Macleod by introducing a new wording: "the credit for having produced the pancreatic hormone in a practical available form" (instead of "for the discovery of insulin").

One hundred years ago: the dawning of the insulin era

The dawn of the insulin era can be placed in 1921, when Banting and Best started their experiments which led, a year later, to the successful treatment of diabetes. They were preceded by the discoveries of the pancreatic cause of diabetes by Minkowski and von Mering in 1889 and of the islets by Paul Langerhans in 1869. The achievement of the first targeted treatment in medical history was a landmark of medical progress. However, it was accompanied by a mixture of human greatness and misery. Genius and recklessness, ambition and deception, camaraderie and rivalry, selflessness and pursuit of glory went along with superficial search of the existing literature, poor planning, faulty interpretation of results, failure to reproduce them, and misquoting of reports from other laboratories. Then as now, such faults surface whenever human nature aims to push forward the boundaries of knowledge and pose a real challenge in today's world, as the scientific method strives to keep healthy in the face of growing anti-scientific feelings.

A first approach for an evidence-based in vitro digestion method to adjust pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in cystic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Patients with cystic fibrosis have to take enzymatic supplements to allow for food digestion. However, an evidence-based method to adjust Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) is inexistent, and lipid content of meals is used as a rough criterion.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, an in vitro digestion model was set up to determine the theoretical optimal dose (TOD) of enzymatic supplement for a selection of foods, which is the dose that allows for maximum lipolysis extent.

METHODS

A static in vitro digestion model was applied to simulate digestion of eight foods covering a wide range of lipid contents. First, the dose of the enzymatic supplement was fixed at 2000 lipase units per gram of fat (LU/g fat) using intestinal pH and bile salt concentration as variables. Second, intestinal pH and bile salt concentrations were fixed and the variable was the dose of the enzymatic supplement. Lipolysis extent was determined by measuring the free fatty acids released from initial triglycerides content of foods after digestion. Results in terms of percentage of lipolysis extent were fitted into a linear-mixed segmented model and the deducted equations were used to predict the TOD to reach 90% of lipolysis in every food. In addition, the effect of intestinal pH and bile salt concentration were investigated.

RESULTS

The predictive equations obtained for the assessed foods showed that lipolysis was not only dependent on the dose of the enzyme supplement or the lipid content. Moreover, intestinal pH and bile salt concentration had significant effects on lipolysis. Therefore an evidence-based model can be developed taking into account these variables.

CONCLUSIONS

Depending on food characteristics, a specific TOD should be assigned to achieve an optimal digestion extent. This work represents a first step towards an evidence-based method for PERT dosing, which will be applied in an in vivo setting to validate its efficacy.

["Not to be taken lightly"]

A 78 year old patient with type 2 diabetes mellitus was hospitalized because of weakness and poor nutritional status. For several years, he suffered from an unintended weight loss and chronic, pulpy diarrhea. On examination, we found a severe loss of muscle and fat tissue as well as difficulty swallowing. An adequate nutritional therapy with combined parenteral and enteral nutrition was implemented under regular monitoring of electrolytes and volume status, under which the state of health improved noticeably, while steatorrhea improved under substitution of pancreatic enzymes.

Potato crisps without pancreatic extracts supplements: a potential cause of the distal intestinal obstruction in cystic fibrosis

Three cases of the distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS) are reported to be caused by a consumption of potato crisps without appropriate pancreatic enzyme supplements.

13C-mixed triglyceride breath test to assess oral enzyme substitution therapy in patients with chronic pancreatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Malnutrition persists in most patients with chronic pancreatitis despite an adequate clinical response to oral pancreatic enzyme substitution therapy. Our aims were to analyze the accuracy of the 13C-mixed triglyceride breath test as a tool for evaluating the effect of enzyme therapy on fat digestion in chronic pancreatitis, and to analyze the impact of modifying the therapy according to the breath test on patients' nutritional status.

METHODS

The accuracy of the breath test for monitoring the effect of therapy was evaluated prospectively in 29 patients with maldigestion secondary to chronic pancreatitis by using the coefficient of fat absorption as the gold standard. Therapy was modified to obtain a normal breath test result in a further 20 chronic pancreatitis patients with malnutrition despite an adequate clinical response to the enzyme therapy; the impact of this therapeutic modification on patients' nutritional status was evaluated.

RESULTS

The coefficient of fat absorption and breath test results were similar when assessing fat absorption before and during treatment. Modification of the enzyme therapy to normalize fat absorption as assessed by the breath test in the second group of 20 patients was associated with a significant increase of body weight (P < .001), and serum concentrations of retinol binding protein (P < .001) and prealbumin (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The 13C-mixed triglyceride breath test is an accurate method to evaluate the effect of enzyme therapy on fat digestion. This method is simpler than the standard fecal fat test to assess therapy in patients with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency. Normalizing fat absorption improves nutrition in these patients.

[Nutrition, probiotics, antibiotics, antioxidative therapy, endoscopy in chronic pancreatitis]

Treatment of chronic pancreatitis is dependent on the stage of the disease and consists of several arms: treatment of pain when ever possible according to its pathogenesis; treatment of complications primarily by interventional endoscopy, in cases of failure by surgery; therapy of exocrine insufficiency with porcine pancreatic extracts; treatment of endocrine insufficiency with insulin. Pseudocysts can be drained according to their location by either the transgastric, transduodenal, transpapillary or transcutaneous route. Distal prepapillary stenoses of the main pancreatic duct can be handled by placement of a plastic stent; similarily to treatment of biliary strictures. Stones leading to obstruction of the main pancreatic duct can be disintegrated by extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and the fragments removed by endoscopy after papillotomy. Transgastral endoscopic drainage of retroperitoneal necroses is still experimental. Prospective randomized multicenter trials comparing surgery with interventional endoscopy are still lacking. Failure of endoscopic therapy or suspicion of tumor is clearly an indication for surgery. There is no need for a specific diet in patients with chronic pancreatitis without having diabetes. In severe attacks, clinically similar to acute pancreatitis, enteral nutrition via a jejunal tube is replacing parenteral nutrition. However, prospective comparative trials are still mandatory. Prophylactic application of antibiotics in patients with pancreatic necrosis is again under debate. Whether probiotics are capable to decrease the risk of secondary pancreatic infection of necrosis has not been thoroughly studied. The hypothesis that capture of oxygen free radicals by drugs such as selenium may prevent frequency and severity of acute relapses has also not been proven.

Successful conservative management of idiopathic fibrosing pancreatitis in children

Idiopathic fibrosing pancreatitis, a rare cause of obstructive jaundice and abdominal pain in children, which has certain features in common with the emerging entity of autoimmune pancreatitis as described in adults, has frequently been managed surgically. We present our experience of successful conservative management of this condition in children. Three children (6-12 years; two girls, one boy) presented with a short history of abdominal pain followed by obstructive jaundice. Abdominal ultrasonographic examination in each case showed dilated intrahepatic and common bile ducts with a bulky pancreas, predominantly the head. These findings were confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging. In two cases, the diagnosis of fibrosing pancreatitis was made by exclusion after extensive investigation. The third case had a percutaneous ultrasound-guided pancreatic needle biopsy. Two patients were managed by supportive medical therapy alone, whilst the third, with symptomatic obstructive jaundice, underwent temporary endoscopic stenting of the common bile duct. Cases have been followed-up for 12-49 months. There was complete clinical and biochemical resolution of obstructive jaundice in all three cases. Plasma bilirubin concentrations decreased to normal within 3-8 weeks. Serial abdominal imaging showed a gradual resolution of biliary dilatation and abnormal pancreatic morphology with subsequent pancreatic atrophy. Two children developed steatorrhoea that responded to pancreatic enzyme supplements, and one patient developed diabetes mellitus. None of the cases needed invasive surgery for diagnosis or management.

CONCLUSION

With careful radiological and biochemical assessment and monitoring, invasive surgery can be avoided in the management of fibrosing pancreatitis. The eventual outcome is no different from reported surgically treated cases.

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in HIV-positive patients

OBJECTIVES

We describe the management of a cohort of eight HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral medication with evidence of pancreatic insufficiency consisting of chronic diarrhoea and a low faecal elastase measurement.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-two patients with chronic diarrhoea for whom a faecal elastase measurement was available were identified retrospectively. We compared baseline demographic characteristics, antiretroviral treatment and symptoms of steatorrhea between patients with evidence of pancreatic insufficiency, i.e. a low faecal elastase measurement of <200 microg/g (cases), and patients with evidence of normal pancreatic function, i.e. a normal faecal elastase measurement of >200 microg/g (controls). We describe the management of the patients with evidence of pancreatic insufficiency.

RESULTS

Of the 22 patients, eight had evidence of pancreatic insufficiency, i.e. a low faecal elastase measurement. Comparing cases with controls, cases were more likely to have symptoms of steatorrhea (P=0.03) or to have lost weight (P=0.02). Cases were also significantly more likely to have taken didanosine (ddI) as part of their antiretroviral treatment when their symptoms started. Seven cases were treated with oral pancreatic supplements and all had symptomatic improvement of their diarrhoea. One patient stopped treatment with oral pancreatic supplements because of side effects without a relapse of symptoms; he had also stopped zalcitabine (ddC).

CONCLUSIONS

We believe that measurement of faecal elastase to detect pancreatic insufficiency should be part of the standard investigation of HIV-positive patients with chronic diarrhoea alongside assessment for other causes of diarrhoea. Faecal elastase measurements should be requested, in particular, in all patients with diarrhoea and weight loss, or symptoms of steatorrhea, and in those on treatment with an antiretroviral regime containing ddI. If the faecal elastase level is low, a switch of antiretroviral medication to a nonddI/ddC-containing regime should be considered and treatment with oral pancreatic enzyme therapy should be instituted.

Treatment of alcoholic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is characterized by progressive and irreversible loss of pancreatic exocrine and endocrine function. The majority of cases in the Western world are related to alcohol consumption. Treatment of alcoholic chronic pancreatitis has been difficult, since the mechanisms of disease progression and the causes of pain are poorly understood. The conservative management of chronic pancreatitis focuses on (a) avoidance of precipitating factors such as alcohol and smoking; (b) treatment of pain, and (c) replacement of exocrine and endocrine function. There is a lack of good controlled, randomized treatment trials in alcoholic pancreatitis. However, there is good evidence that lifestyle changes, such as alcohol cessation, hamper progression of the disease. Conservative treatment of pain should be based on a stepwise approach; however, underlying causes such as pseudocysts may require endoscopic or surgical therapy. Treatment of exocrine insufficiency requires pancreatic enzyme supplementation and adjustment to several smaller meals per day, while treatment of endocrine insufficiency requires insulin treatment.

Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic irradiation? Results of a double-blind randomized trial

PURPOSE

Does prophylactic treatment with proteolytic enzymes reduce acute toxicity of adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy?

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Fifty-six patients with an indication for adjuvant pelvic irradiation after curative surgery were double-blind randomized. All patients took 3 x 4 capsules study medication daily during radiotherapy. Twenty-eight patients in the enzyme group (EG) received capsules containing papain, trypsin and chymotrypsin, 28 in the placebo group (PG) received placebo capsules. All patients were irradiated with 5 x 1.8 Gy weekly to 50.4 Gy using four-field-box technique after CT-based planning. Primary objective was the grade of diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and epitheliolysis during radiotherapy. Secondary objectives were the number of supportive medications and treatment interruptions due to acute toxicity.

RESULTS

None/mild diarrhea: 43% EG, 64% PG. Moderate/severe diarrhea: 57% EG, 36% PG (P = 0.11). Mean duration: 11 days in EG, 10 days in PG. None/mild nausea: 93% EG, 93% PG. Moderate/severe nausea: 7% EG, 7% PG. None/mild vomiting: 100% EG, 97% PG. None/mild fatigue: 82% EG, 93% PG. Moderate/severe fatigue: 18% EG, 7% PG (P = 0.23). None/mild epitheliolysis: 75% EG, 93% PG. Moderate/severe epitheliolysis: 25% EG, 7% PG (P = 0.16). Treatment interruption (mean days): 2.44 in EG, 1.46 in PG. Number of supportive medication: 29 in EG, 19 in PG.

CONCLUSIONS

The prophylactic use of proteolytic enzymes does not reduce acute toxicities, treatment interruptions and number of supportive medication and therefore does not improve tolerance of adjuvant pelvic radiotherapy.

Acute and chronic pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis has multiple causes, an unpredictable course, and myriad complications. The diagnosis relies on a combination of history, physical examination, serologic markers, and radiologic findings. The mainstay of therapy includes aggressive hydration, maintenance of NPO, and adequate analgesia with narcotics. Antibiotic and nutritional support with total parenteral nutrition should be used when appropriate.

[Photo-hemo-correction in the complex treatment of patients with obliterating atherosclerosis of the arteries of the lower limbs]

Based on the assessment of clinical efficiency of the intravascular and percutaneous photomodification of blood with a helium-neon laser in 170 patients the authors have shown that it is expedient to include the photohemocorrection in the medical programs for the I-III degree ischemia.

Double-blind pilot-study on the efficacy of enzyme therapy in advanced colorectal cancer

All tested variables showed a tendency in favor for Wobe-Mugos E therapy as addition to standard therapy. Enzymes improve the quality of life by reducing cancer disease typical symptoms, they reduce side effects of chemo-/radiotherapy and they have a potential of prolonging life (preliminary data only).

Pancreatic enzyme therapy and nutritional status of outpatients with chronic pancreatitis

Patients with chronic pancreatitis are at risk for poor nutritional status. The two major clinical features of chronic pancreatitis are abdominal pain and maldigestion, both resulting in malnutrition. Abdominal pain often results in decreased oral intake, and decreased enzyme production results in maldigestion. Enzyme therapy often is included in treating chronic pancreatitis. There is limited data on the nutritional assessment of outpatients with chronic pancreatitis, and the efficacy of the use of enzyme therapy remains controversial. Serum albumin level and measurement of ideal body weight are two simple measures of nutritional status that can be obtained by gastroenterology nurses. A retrospective chart review was done of patients seen in our outpatient clinic for management of chronic pancreatitis. Serum albumin levels, an indicator of protein calorie malnutrition, were reviewed for 34 patients. Thirty-three percent of these patients were found to have mild-to-moderate protein calorie malnutrition as evidenced by low serum albumin levels. Enzyme therapy information was reviewed for 33 patients. Patients receiving enzyme therapy had better nutritional status based on both serum albumin levels and percent of ideal body weight. Gastroenterology nurses can be instrumental in the recognition and treatment of nutritional deficiencies in chronic pancreatitis.

A pancreatic extract-enriched diet improves the nutritional status of aged rats

Correction of the malnourished state, particularly common and severe in elderly people, is often unsuccessful. To improve the efficiency of realimentation, we evaluated the nutritional effect of a pancreatic extract (PE)-enriched diet in malnourished aged rats. Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly assigned to 6 groups as follows: 1 group of control rats had free access to the diet for 12 wk (C group) and 5 groups were 50% food restricted for the same period. One food-restricted group was then killed (R group) and the 4 remaining groups were refed for 1 wk using a standard diet enriched either with two different doses of a pancreatic extract (2.4 or 4.8 g/d in PE1 and PE2 groups, respectively) or with an isonitrogenous casein hydrolysate (CH1 and CH2 groups, respectively). Profound alterations induced by food restriction (FR) were moderately corrected by refeeding, except nitrogen balance, which was reestablished in rats refed all diets (P: < 0.01 vs. R). Supplementation of the food ration with a pancreatic extract clearly improved recovery. Indeed, body weight gain, both jejunal and ileal trophicity [jejunum: total height, PE2: 849 +/- 45 microm vs. CH2: 768 +/- 17 microm (P: < 0.05); protein content, PE2: 69.9 +/- 5.7 mg vs. CH2: 56.4 +/- 4.8 mg (P: < 0.01)] and nonspecific immune response in terms of H2O2 production by polymorphonuclear neutrophils and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) by macrophages (PE2, 20.7 +/- 4.7 vs. CH2, 8.7 +/- 2.3, P: < 0.05) were improved in rats fed PE2. A pancreatic extract could improve the efficiency of realimentation in malnourished aged rats.

[The effect of the preparation Wobe-Mugos E on the functional and biochemical status of the kidneys in the polyuric stage of sublimate-induced nephropathy]

The protective effect of Wobe-Mugos appliance on the kidney function and biochemical state in polyuric stage of sublimate nephropathia at the moment of tubulointerstitial component formation was revealed in experiments on 40 white male rats. It appeared in the increase of hydrogenous ion excretion, titred acids, renal tissue fibrinolytic and proteolytic activity. The succinatdehydrogenase activation in renal cortex matter pointed out on the improvement of energy balance.

[Effect of the preparation Wobe-Mugos E on parameters of the antioxidant defence system and morphofunctional erythrocyte status in patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis]

In the examination of 64 patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis, some specificities of functioning of decompensation mechanisms in the glutathione antiradical system were established as were changes in morphofunctional and receptor properties of erythrocytes in chronic obstructive bronchitis. The patients were shown to have derived benefit from a combined treatment involving the use of the enzymic drug preparation Wobe-Mugos E which was found to make for improvement of rheological properties of erythrocytes, their capability of depositing and transporting catecholamines.

[Digestive and nutritional management of adults with cystic fibrosis]

Digestive disturbances are frequent in adults with cystic fibrosis. They can lead to malnutrition which in turn is deleterious to the prognosis. We summarise the information on epidemiology, pathogenicity, signs, diagnostic criteria and treatments of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, gastro-oesophageal reflux and denutrition (which are all frequent) but also of constipation, rectal prolapse, distal intestinal obstruction syndrome, and liver diseases. The main recommendations are the following: 1--know how to treat pancreatic insufficiency with enzyme replacement and vitamins; 2--know how to treat aggressively any gastro-esophageal reflux; 3--diagnose and treat denutrition as early as possible; 4--know the distal intestinal obstruction syndrome to avoid abusive and dangerous surgery; 5--know that the most severe hepatic diseases can be treated by liver transplantation.

[Systemic enzyme therapy with the preparation Wobe-Mugos E in the combined treatment of lung cancer patients]

A total of 44 patients with lung carcinoma underwent combined treatment involving systemic enzyme therapy with Wobe-Mugos E. In conducting radio- and polychemotherapy, the above enzyme therapy did not complicate the postoperative course, with the pyo-septic complications having gotten reduced, the origination of pneumofibroses prevented.

[Application of systemic enzyme therapy in combined treatment of patients with pulmonary cancer and malignant thymoma]

The systemic enzymotherapy using Wobe-Mugos E in the combined treatment of 32 patients with pulmonary cancer and of 21 patients with malignant thymoma was applied. After the chemotherapy and radiotherapy conduction the reduction of the postoperative septic-purulent complications, the pneumofibrosis occurrence prophylaxis was noted.

Local transrectal enzymatic treatment for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis and prostatodynia: initial clinical experience

We report our initial clinical experience with local transrectal application of enzymatic treatment for chronic nonbacterial prostatitis and prostatodynia in 20 patients. Using a specially designed symptom score for evaluation of subjective treatment parameters, a statistically significant improvement of symptoms was found in the areas of pain, micturition, and recreational activities. No statistically significant differences were noted in laboratory values before and after treatment. Minimal local side effects were seen in only one patient. A favorable clinical response was noted in 75% of patients, whereas the remaining 25% showed only moderate improvement of symptoms. No patient experienced complete treatment failure.

Liquid pancreatic enzyme therapy for a patient with short bowel syndrome and chronic pancreatitis in a complicated case of Crohn's disease

The case of a 45 year old female with multiple complications of Crohn's disease is reported. After multiple resections in the gastrointestinal tract she had been suffering from short bowel syndrome and severe malnutrition. With a special continuous gastric tube feeding system, she was able to maintain her weight for years. In the beginning of 1997 the enteral nutrition was not longer tolerated for an exacerbation of chronic pancreatitis. There was a weight loss, permanent pain and total parenteral nutrition had to be performed. In this situation a new liquid preparation of pancreatic enzymes which had been tested in the laboratory before, was used for continuous enzyme replacement via gastric tube. In combination with this enzyme preparation, enteral nutrition could successfully be started again.

Palliation of pain in chronic pancreatitis. Use of enzymes

According to the concept of negative feedback regulation of pancreatic enzyme secretion by proteases, treatment with pancreatic extracts has been proposed to lower pain in chronic pancreatitis by decreasing pancreatic duct pressure. The author, however, has demonstrated in healthy volunteers that intraduodenal application of porcine pancreatic extracts does not inhibit but rather stimulates pancreatic enzyme secretion. This is probably because of the high-protein content of porcine pancreatic extracts that may overwhelm a potential inhibitory effect of proteases. In a prospective placebo-controlled, double-blind multicenter study to investigate the effect of acid-protected porcine pancreatic extracts on pain in 43 patients with chronic pancreatitis, pain improved in most patients regardless of whether they started with placebo or verum. There was no significant difference between both treatment arms. In a meta-analysis, which included the author's study, six randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies were evaluated. Statistical analysis demonstrated no benefit of the application of porcine pancreatic extracts to relieve pain in chronic pancreatitis. The author concluded that pancreatic extracts neither inhibit pancreatic enzyme secretion nor are they efficient in lowering pain in chronic pancreatitis.

The role of Wobe-Mugos in reducing acute sequele of radiation in head and neck cancers--a clinical phase-III randomized trial

Oral enzymes act as a potent antiinflammatory, antiedematous agents thereby decreasing acute toxigenic effect of radiation and increasing compliance, quality of life of our patients. Fifty patients were randomized 25 allocated in enzyme and radiotherapy arm, 25 in radiotherapy alone. Pre RT and post RT biopsies were taken from both arms. In our study it was found that there was clinical, histopathological as well as statistical significant difference in both arms. The enzyme arm patients had mucostis of grade I in 76%, grade II in 12%, grade III in 8% while as 8% had grade I, 68% grade II, 24% had grade III in RT arm alone. In enzyme patients skin reactions of grade I in 72%, 20% had grade II, 8% had grade III. In control arm 12% had grade I, 76% had grade II, 8% had grade III skin reaction.

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy in cystic fibrosis: Australian guidelines. Pediatric Gastroenterological Society and the Dietitians Association of Australia

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) is a major factor associated with achieving optimum growth and nutritional status in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients with pancreatic insufficiency and consequent malabsorption. Currently in Australian CF clinics policies for the usage of PERT vary considerably. This paper highlights the current issues related to fat absorption and use of PERT in CF. It also provides evidence to support the recommendation of a PERT dose based on a standard ratio of lipase units per gram of dietary fat consumed for individual patients. A consistent approach to PERT doses will facilitate identification of patients whose PERT intake increases their risk of fibrosing colonopathy and for whom gastroenterological review is warranted. Recent reports indicate that PERT intake can be reduced with a secondary improvement in growth and nutrition status as a consequence of increased dietetic input. These Australian guidelines for the judicious use of PERT in CF should lead not only to a refinement in nutritional management of patients with CF but should also facilitate an improvement in compliance with therapy due to sophistication in patient education materials. The Australian guidelines for the use of PERT in CF if correctly applied, will also provide patients and their families with a better understanding of the relationship between PERT and nutritional status.

Fat malabsorption in cystic fibrosis patients receiving enzyme replacement therapy is due to impaired intestinal uptake of long-chain fatty acids

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy frequently fails to correct intestinal fat malabsorption completely in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. The reason for this failure is unknown.

OBJECTIVE

We investigated whether fat malabsorption in CF patients treated with pancreatic enzymes is caused by insufficient lipolysis of triacylglycerols or by defective intestinal uptake of long-chain fatty acids.

DESIGN

Lipolysis was determined on the basis of breath 13CO2 recovery in 10 CF patients receiving pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy after they ingested 1.3-distearoyl,2[1-13C]octanoyl glycerol ([13C]MTG). Intestinal uptake of long-chain fatty acids was determined by analyzing plasma [13C]linoleic acid ([13C]LA) concentrations after patients ingested [13C]LA. For 3 d, dietary intakes were recorded and feces were collected.

RESULTS

Fecal fat excretion ranged from 5.1 to 27.8 g/d (mean+/-SD: 11.1+/-7.0 g/d) and fat absorption ranged from 79% to 93% (89+/-5%). There was no relation between breath 13CO2 recovery and dietary fat absorption (r = 0.04) after ingestion of [13C]MTG. In contrast, there was a strong relation between 8-h plasma [13C]LA concentrations and dietary fat absorption (r = 0.88, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that continuing fat malabsorption in CF patients receiving enzyme replacement therapy is not likely due to insufficient lipolytic enzyme activity, but rather to incomplete intraluminal solubilization of long-chain fatty acids, reduced mucosal uptake of long-chain fatty acids, or both.

Colonic wall thickness, pancreatic enzyme dose and type of preparation in cystic fibrosis

Increased colonic wall thickness has been reported in patients exposed to large doses of high strength pancreatic enzyme preparations who did not develop fibrosing colonopathy. This has been interpreted as evidence for a spectrum of subclinical disease. The relation between sonographically measured colonic wall thickness and pancreatic enzyme preparation and dose was studied in 86 children with cystic fibrosis (CF). Colonic wall thickness of a control group was also measured. The average thickness in all colonic regions was higher in the CF group (overall average range 0.7-2.5 mm v 0.6-1.4 mm in the control group). There was no significant relation between colonic wall thickness and age, sex, total dose of lipase, or copolymer. Apart from one patient with an early colonic stricture, none of those exposed to high doses of lipase, or the methacrylic acid copolymer Eudragit L30 D55, showed evidence of subclinical damage to the colon. The reproducibility of the sonographic measurements was poor.

Faecal bile acid and dietary residue excretion in cystic fibrosis: age group variations

BACKGROUND

Earlier studies report the excessive faecal excretions of bile acids and dietary residues in cystic fibrosis (CF). However, few of these investigated large groups of patients using modern pancreatin preparations and little data exists reporting carbohydrate excretion. We therefore aimed to characterise the general levels of malabsorption within age groups of 132 patients attending a regional CF centre.

METHODS

The faecal excretions of bile acids, fat, nitrogen and carbohydrate were measured. Most of these patients were treated with either (Creon) (n = 58) or Pancrease (n = 51) and prophylactic antibiotics. The patients were grouped in age ranges 0.5 to 5 years, 6 to 10 years, 11 to 15 years and >16 years. Carbohydrate excretion was determined in the 11 to 15 year group.

RESULTS

Increased excretions with increment in age group were found which, for bile acids, was twice that of age matched controls. Modest relationships were found between the overall excretion of bile acids and fat, and between the excretion of bile acids and nitrogen. Primary bile acids were a feature of cystic fibrosis stools but the patterns of individual bile acid excretion revealed a trend towards a normal bile acid types with increment in age group. Faecal carbohydrate was significantly increased to levels which may significantly alter large bowel microflora.

CONCLUSIONS

The data adds to the evidence that maldigestion initiates bile acid sequestration and consequently, the predominance of primary bile acids.

[The use of enzymes in treating patients with malignant lymphoma with a large tumor mass]

Systemic enzymes (wobenzime and wobe-mugos) were approved, that had been prescribed as part of polychemotherapy to 24 patients with malignant lymphomas, who presented with large masses of lymphatic nodes poorly resorbable against the background of polychemotherapy and who were assigned for a high-total dose irradiation, which fact would undoubtedly entail sclerosing of adjacent intact tissues. The use of the enzymes made for the optimum realization of the polychemotherapy effect and permitted avoiding a good many of undesirable side events and complication thereof. The above systemic enzymes are well tolerated by patients; they induce no significant changes in the cellular composition or in blood biochemical indices.

Desensitization to pancreatic enzyme intolerance in a child with cystic fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

Pancreatic enzyme is essential in the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF), but intolerance to it occasionally occurs. We encountered a child who was intolerant to multiple commercially available preparations of pancreatic enzymes and, hence, desensitization was attempted, with success.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 33-month-old girl was diagnosed with CF at 6 months of age. Initially, she was started on Pancrease MT 16, which was subsequently discontinued because fecal fat studies were normal and she seemed to do well on Nutramigen and vitamin supplements. At 29 months of age, she developed diarrhea with bulky stools and weight loss. A fecal fat 72-hour study revealed a coefficient of absorption of 50%. She was treated with Pancrease MT 16, but had consistent vomiting 1 to 2 hours after administration of enzymes. The vomiting occurred on switching to different pancreatic enzymes preparations, ie, Creon 10, Viokase, and Pancrease MT 16. Vomiting occurred even with small doses of enzymes disguised in food. She had no history suggestive of gastroesophageal reflux, peptic ulcer, or pork allergy, and no vomiting on days when enzymes were not given. This was suggestive of type I hypersensitivity reaction. Pancreatic enzymes were discontinued, and she was given a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet with satisfactory weight gain.

METHODS

Double-blind, placebo-controlled titrated oral challenges with pancreatic enzymes resulted in definite vomiting within 1 to 1.5 hours after challenges with Viokase and Pancrease MT 16, but not with placebo. Rush oral desensitization with Viokase solution was attempted, starting with 5 mg, and the dose was doubled every 20 minutes, aiming to reach a cumulative dose of 700 mg. However, the child vomited when a cumulative dose of 315 mg was reached. Another trial of slower desensitization was done using Pancrease MT 16 (1 capsule: 16 000 U of lipase, 48 000 U of amylase, and 48 000 U of protease), starting with 1/4 capsule per day, with increments of 1/4 capsule every 3 days, until an entire capsule was reached by day 10, then increased by approximately 1/2 capsule every 4 days until reaching the therapeutic dose of 1 capsule with each meal by day 25.

RESULTS

The patient tolerated this fairly well and has been on this treatment and regular diet for >1 year, without any adverse reaction. This illustrates a rare case of gastrointestinal adverse reaction to pancreatic enzymes that was treated successfully with desensitization.

CONCLUSION

Pancreatic enzyme intolerance, although rare, would be a major problem in the management of patients with CF. Hence, desensitization would be essential and may be accomplished successfully using the protocol described in this report.

Response to long-term enzyme replacement treatment in dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

To study response to long-term enzyme replacement treatment in dogs with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI).

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

ANIMALS

76 German Shepherd Dogs or rough-coated Collies with EPI and 145 clinically normal dogs of the same breeds.

PROCEDURE

Questionnaires were sent to owners of dogs with EPI and owners of clinically normal dogs. Dogs with EPI had been given dietary enzyme supplements for at least 4 months. Relative frequency distributions of gastrointestinal tract and dermatologic signs, prevalences of typical signs of EPI (e.g., weight loss, ravenous appetite, yellow and pulpy feces, high fecal volume), feeding regimens, and dietary intolerances were compared between dogs with EPI and clinically normal dogs.

RESULTS

Gastrointestinal tract signs considered typical for dogs with EPI were almost completely controlled with dietary enzyme supplements in half of the dogs with EPI, and their general health was similar to that of clinically normal dogs. A poor treatment response was found in a fifth of dogs with EPI that had several signs that were typical of EPI. Signs most often persisting were high fecal volume, yellow and pulpy feces, and flatulence. Dermatologic problems were common, especially in German Shepherd Dogs with EPI. Treatment response was irrespective of breed. Nonenteric-coated enzyme supplements, powdered enzyme, and raw chopped pancreas were equally effective in controlling clinical signs. Although dietary sensitivities were common, use of adjunctive dietary treatment was minimal. Antibiotics were occasionally administered to half of the dogs with EPI.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Results of this study indicate that, with basically similar treatment regimens, response to long-term enzyme treatment in dogs with EPI varied considerably.

Biochemical assessment of the nutritional status of cystic fibrosis patients treated with pancreatic enzyme extracts

We examined the protein and fat nutritional status of 65 cystic fibrosis patients aged 4-26 y (x +/- SD: 11.2 +/- 5.6 y). Patients were treated with pancreatic enzyme extracts to improve nutrient absorption; in addition, most patients were supplemented with vitamins A and E. Results were compared with those in a control group of 39 subjects aged 5-29 y (x: 14.3 +/- 5.6 y) with no digestive diseases or nutritional deficiencies. Protein determination showed low albumin concentrations in 42% of the cystic fibrosis patients and decreased blood concentrations of retinol binding protein in 12% of the patients. Lipoprotein components were characterized by decreased cholesterol concentrations in 25% of the cystic fibrosis group. Also, mean concentrations of apolipoprotein A-I were significantly lower in the cystic fibrosis group than in control subjects. The results of fatty acid status, expressed in relative (%) and absolute (mg/L) values, showed concentrations of essential fatty acids, represented by linoleic and arachidonic acids, to be significantly decreased in cystic fibrosis patients; this decrease was markedly significant for fatty acid status expressed in absolute values, especially in the cholesteryl ester subfraction. Serum retinol and alpha-tocopherol concentrations were lowered by 8% and 46% in cystic fibrosis patients and control subjects, respectively: retinol, 1.80 +/- 0.50 and 2.37 +/- 0.60 micromol/L, P < 0.001, and alpha-tocopherol, 18.1 +/- 8.7 and 25.7 +/- 5.0 micromol/L, P < 0.001. In conclusion, despite regular treatment with pancreatic enzyme replacements, neither protein nor fat malnutrition in cystic fibrosis patients was completely corrected.

[A rare combination of pheochromocytoma ans somatostatin-rich neuroendocrine tumor of Vater's papilla (carcinoid) in a patient with von Recklinghausen neurofibromatosis]

A 74-year-old male suffering from Recklinghausen's fibromatosis (NvR) is reported. He presented with weight loss, cholestasis, endocrine and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. These symptoms were caused by a neuroendocrine tumor of the ampulla of Vater containing somatostatin. The tumor induced an obstruction of both the common bile and the pancreatic duct. In addition to this uncommon tumor, a silent pheochromocytoma was found. The patient was treated by endoscopic papillotomy, substitution of pancreatic enzymes and additional enteral nutrition. After recovery no progression of the disease was observed over one year. A review of the literature shows that patients with neurofibromatosis are at high risk for periampullar tumors. In particular, somatostatin-rich carcinoids were previously documented. Pheochromocytomas are also quite prevalent in NvR. However the combination of NvR, pheochromocytoma and somatostatin-rich neuroendocrine tumors of the duodenum has only been reported a few times. An explanation for the high prevalence of neuroendocrine tumors in NvR might be the loss of neurofibromin, a tumor suppressor protein, which is the main product of the neurofibromatosis-l-gene.

Progressive pan-colonic fibrosis secondary to oral administration of pancreatic enzymes

Most patients with cystic fibrosis require oral administration of pancreatic enzymes to treat pancreatic insufficiency. Recent use of higher-strength enzyme preparations in large doses has been found to be associated with fibrotic strictures of the colon. We report a case of pancolonic fibrosis due to pancreatic enzyme use.