Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is a condition characterized by inadequate production or delivery of pancreatic enzymes to the small intestine, which results in the insufficient breakdown and absorption of nutrients. Patients typically present with symptoms such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, and weight loss.The most common etiologies of EPI are cystic fibrosis and chronic pancreatitis. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Australasian Pancreatic Club have published guidelines on the management of EPI. Dietary restriction and smoking cessation are the most effective nonpharmacologic treatment methods for EPI. Pharmacologic treatment centers on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). PERT agents come in different formulations and concentrations of pancrelipase, which comprises the enzymes that normally digest fats for absorption in the body.