High serum levels of secretory immunoglobulin A in chronic pancreatitis

Background and aim. Elevated levels of secretory immunoglobulin, A have bee n reported in patients with cholestatic hepatitis. Secretory immunoglobulin A is present in the biliary and pancreatic tract. Chronic pancreatitis is a disease characterized by dilatation of Wirsung's duct. The aim of the stu dy was to evaluate secretary immunoglobulin A levels in patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis. Patients and Methods, The study population consisted of 66 consecutive chro nic pancreatitis patients (55 male, II female; mean age 49.6+/-10 years), 2 6 patients suffering from acute recurrent pancreatitis (9 males, 17 females , mean age 39.6+/-10.6 years) and 90 healthy controls, pair-matched far sex and age with the chronic pancreatitis patients. Secretory immunoglobulin A was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, as were serum alanine transaminase and GGT: Results, Secretory immunoglobulin A levels were significantly higher in chr onic pancreatitis patients (35+/-23.7 mg/l) than in those acute recurrent p ancreatitis group (16.1+/-7.9) and in healthy controls (11.8+/-4.9 mg/l) (p <0.0001). Secretory immunoglobulin A was significantly higher in chronic pa ncreatitis patients with steatorrhoea, diabetes and calcifications and in t hose undergoing pancreatic surgery. Of 61 chronic pancreatitis patients, 14 (23%) had pathological GGT: When only chronic pancreatitis patients with n ormal GGT levels were analysed, the differences in secretory immunoglobulin A levels between groups of patients and between chronic pancreatitis subgr oups remained statistically significant. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that secretory immunoglobulin A is ele vated in chronic pancreatitis. its value in the staging of patients needs t o be further evaluated.