PANCREATIC FUNCTION AND CONGENITAL DUODENAL ANOMALIES

Six children operated on for congenital anomalies of the duodenum were investigated to find out if pancreatic dysfunction was associated wit h the duodenal malformation, even in the absence of clinical evidence of pancreatic insufficiency. None of the children had diarrhea and non e requested nutritional support. Pancreatic function was assessed by e nzyme activities (lipase, trypsin, and chymotrypsin) bicarbonate and c alcium measurements in pancreatic juice obtained through a nasoduodena l tube under stimulation by secretin and cerulein. Results showed no s ignificant modification in hydroelectrolytic secretion, but impairment of enzymatic secretion was seen. The physiopathological relationship between duodenal anomalies and pancreatic dysfunction is discussed.