Abstract
The clinical significance of the determination of exocrine pancreatic function lies primarily in the diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (PEI) and its relationship to chronic pancreatitis (CHP). This review represents a wide range of exocrine pancreatic functions, direct (intubation or endoscopic), indirect - oral tests, stool analysis (fat or pancreatic enzymes), breath tests and plasma nutrient markers that can be used to diagnose PEI and CHP.
The choice of an appropriate test must be adapted to the clinical scenario. This overview evaluates and describes the individual functional tests and trends in their use in routine clinical practice.
The article also includes current international recommendations and the gastroenterological laboratory's own experience.