THE EVALUATION OF EXOCRINE PANCREATIC FUNCTION OF LIVER CIRRHOSIS WITH N-BENZOYL-L-TYROSYL-p-AMINOBENZOIC ACID (BT-PABA TEST)

Abstract

We have often acquired low values on the BT-PABA tests for liver cirrhosis. The percentage of abnormality was even higher by the PABA absorption tests in order to exclude from abilities of intestinal absorption, liver and renal function. In these patients, the three factors of Pancreozymin-Secretin tests (PST) were almost within normal range and endoscopic retrograde pancreatography of them were nearly normal. Therefore, there was a dissociation between the BT-PABA tests and PST. On the BT-PABA tests the accumulated area of plasma PABA values from start to 90 minutes (Area PABA) was correlated with the total chymotrypsin output on the PST and it was significantly lower (p<0.01) in chronic pancreatitis than in normal controls. It is thought that serum PABA is reflected on a part of exocrine pancreatic function. In the patients of liver cirrhosis, showing low values of 6 hours' PABA excretion rates. Area PABA were almost within normal range. 6 hours' PABA excretion rates for liver cirrhosis was correlated with creatinin clearance rates, not with liver function. So it is suggested that low values on the BT-PABA tests for liver cirrhosis were due to renal dysfunction than exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.