Applicability of the Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency Test (PEI-TEST) in Pediatric Patients

In mild cases, it is difficult to diagnose pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI). There is no gold standard method for the diagnosis of PEI. A reliable method is needed for preliminary diagnosis of PEI. The PEI-TEST was applied to the patients with nonspecific gastrointestinal complaints. Serum amylase, lipase, serum trypsinogen, and fecal elastase 1 (FE-1) were analyzed from each patient. According to the PEI-TEST, PEI was present in 42 (47.7%) and PEI was not present in 46 (52.3%) patients. No significant difference was observed between the 2 groups with regard to age, gender and amylase, lipase, serum trypsinogen, and FE-1. When an FE-1 value of <200 µg/dL was considered as indicating PEI, the sensitivity and specificity of the test were found to be 47.4% and 52.2%, respectively. Although it is promising that PEI-TEST is a validated test in our country and suitable for our society, it is not suitable for pediatric patients.