711 Pancreatic Exocrine Function in Allergic Children

Abstract

Background and aims: The concentration of human pancreatic elastase1 in faeces reflects exocrine pancreatic function. Patients with allergy may have damaged intestinal mucosa or inflammation within the duodenal mucosa that could be associated with pancreatic dysfunction and disturbed digestion of allergens (that are mainly of protein origin). The aim of the study was to compare pancreatic function in allergic patients and children without allergy. Methods: The total patient sample consisted of 109 children, aged 1-10 yrs (mean age 5.2): 49 children were having allergy while 60 were healthy children or children with minor health problems. Faecal samples were gathered and the activity of human pancreatic faecal elastase1 concentration in stools was detected by Pancreatic elastase1monoclonal ELISA test (ScheBo®, Germany). Moderate to mild exocrine pancreatic insufficiency was considered if the concentration of elastase1 was 100-300 microg/g stool. Statistical analysis: χ2 test. Results: Mild or moderate exocrine pancreatic insufficiency according to the concentration of elastase1 was found in significantly higher percentage of allergic patients compared to children without allergy 14%(7/49) vs. 1%(1/60); p=0.03 (OR=9.8; CI: 1-87). Conclusions: Moderate to mild exocrine pancreatic insufficiency according to the concentration of elastase1 was more often observed in patients having allergy compared to the control group, suggesting that a subgroup of allergic patients could have pancreatic dysfunctioni. Factors contributing to it should be studied further.