Inhibition of Pancreatic Exocrine Function by Chronic Alcohol Intake

A Test Using Pancreatic Function Diagnostant (PFD)

Abstract

Pancreatic exocrine function was investigated using PFD (Pancreatic Function Diagnostant) test in 162 patients with massive alcohol intake. The results obtained were as follows:
(1) Significantly lower PFD values were observed in those patients with massive alcohol intake than in normal controls. Abnormally low PFD values below 70.0% were noticed in 81 (50.0%) out of an overall 162 patients.
(2) No significant differences in PFD values were obtained among the patients who were classified into 3 categories according to age or duration of alcohol intake.
(3) Only 25 (15.4%) patients indicated low bady weight below 89.9% of ideal body weight. PFD values in those patients tended to be lower than in other 2 groups.
In conclusion, it was assumed that massive alcohol intake inhibited pancreatic exocrine function using PFD test.