EPI in Pediatric Population
A delayed diagnosis of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) in children can lead to detrimental effects in children such as poor weight gain, malabsorption, and delayed growth.1
Children are particularly vulnerable to these outcomes as they require adequate nutrition for growth and development.1
Children with untreated EPI experience:1
Steatorrhea
Loose stools
Abdominal pain
Excessive flatulence
Impaired growth
Etiologies of EPI
The primary etiologies of EPI results from a decreased pancreatic function secondary to a reduction in pancreatic parenchyma.1
Cystic fibrosis is the most common etiology (85%) of EPI in children. EPI is present in about two-thirds of infants with cystic fibrosis at birth, with EPI manifesting in another 15%— 20% by school age.2,3
Chronic pancreatitis is another leading cause of EPI in children.2 The International Study Group of Pediatric Pancreatitis: In search for a cuRE-2 (INSPPIRE-2) reported EPI in 33.1% and 10% of cases of chronic pancreatitis and acute recurrent pancreatitis , respectively.4
Children with Type 1 diabetes may have decreased exocrine pancreatic function, hence at risk for EPI.5
Shwachman-Diamond syndrome is another common cause of EPI in children, among other genetic disorders that occur less often.1,2
