L. Aparisi et al., Prevalence of malnutrition and morphofunctional alterations of the pancreas in asymptomatic chronic alcoholic patients, MED CLIN, 114(12), 2000, pp. 444-448
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of morphofun
ctional alterations of the pancreas and the possible association with the n
utritional status of chronic alcoholic subjects in the initial phase of det
oxification and without symptoms of pancreopathy.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: 105 alcoholic patients with neither diagnosis nor cli
nical symptoms of pancreopathy were studied, from detoxification units for
alcoholics with over 30 days abstinence. The nutritional status was evaluat
ed by means of clinicoanthropometric parameters (body mass index, nutrition
al risk index, degree and type of malnutrition) and biological parameters (
albumin, transferrin, and total lymphocyte count). The pancreas was morphol
ogically examined by means of plain X-rays, ultrasonography and/or computer
tomography, applying the Cambridge criteria; also functionally (Pancreolau
ryl test and fats in stools).
RESULTS: The average (SD) consumption of alcohol was 195 (76) g/day (range
60-450), for 16 (8) years (3-40). Nutritional abnormalities were observed b
etween 12.3% and 28% in the clinicoanthropometric parameters, and between 2
% and 32% according to the biological parameters. These abnormalities were
only light or moderate. The morphologic study showed abnormalities in 3.5%
of the cases. Abnormalities in the exocrine function were observed in 26% o
f the cases, of which one third showed steathorrhea. A significant associat
ion between the nutritional condition and the scares of the tests of exocri
ne function was observed, especially in those cases with steathorrea.
CONCLUSION: A large number of asymptomatic alcoholic subjects present a sub
clinical pancreopathy and signs of malnutrition. Both facts may he related
and justify a pancreatic examination with more sensitive techniques in alco
holic individuals with malnutrition.