alpha-chymotrypsin and Infant--Premature--Diseases

Pancreatic protease deficiency may be an aetiological factor in enteritis necroticans, a disease sharing some features of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). Using faecal chymotrypsin measurement we have prospectively studied pancreatic exocrine function in infants at risk of NEC. No significant difference was found comparing those infants who subsequently developed NEC and those who did not.

Topics: Chymotrypsin; Enterocolitis, Pseudomembranous; Feces; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Pancreas; Prospective Studies; Risk Factors

The determination of fecal chymotrypsin is a suitable noninvasive screening test for the evaluation of exocrine pancreatic function. Using a photometric assay we found a specificity of 87.5% and a sensitivity of 80%. Beyond the first year of life the lowest limit of normal values is 72 micrograms chymotrypsin/g stool. The method is reproducible, and a 72-hour stool collection is unnecessary when several fecal chymotrypsin determinations in spot stool samples are performed.

Topics: Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Chymotrypsin; Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency; Feces; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Male; Pancreatic Function Tests; Reference Values

Topics: Barium Sulfate; Biopsy; Chymotrypsin; Diagnosis, Differential; Feces; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Infant, Premature, Diseases; Intestinal Obstruction; Intestine, Small; Male; Meconium; Megacolon; Radiography; Trypsin