Faecal elastase-1: lyophilization of stool samples prevents false low results in diarrhoea.
Scand J Gastroenterol
; 36(7): 771-4, 2001 Jul.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-11444478
BACKGROUND: In patients with diarrhoea, faecal elastase-1 is used to detect exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Diarrhoea is defined as >85% stool water content. METHODS: We analysed elastase-1 in 519 stool samples from 310 patients unprocessed as well as after lyophilization in a standard laboratory lyophilizator. Stool water content was calculated by weight difference before and after lyophilization. RESULTS: 151 stool samples were classified as 'diarrhoea' (mean stool water content 88.8%); all others had a mean water content of 75.4%. In the 'diarrhoea' samples, elastase-1 levels were considerably higher after lyophilization--with a calculated normal water content of 75% (606 +/- 359 microg/g, mean +/- s)--compared to measurement when unprocessed (279 +/- 151 microg/g; P < 0.0001). In 16 of the 151 cases (11%), the abnormally low elastase-1 level below 200 microg/g found in unprocessed stools proved normal (>200 microg/g) after lyophilization and correction for stool water content. CONCLUSION: Diarrhoea can result in falsely decreased elastase-1 levels in a number of patients with non-pancreatogenic diarrhoea. Lyophilization is a simple measure by which to determine elastase-1 independently of stool water content. Lyophilization of stool samples can therefore help to prevent wrong positive elastase-1 test results.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Pruebas de Función Pancreática
/
Insuficiencia Pancreática Exocrina
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Elastasa Pancreática
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Diarrea
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Heces
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Liofilización
Tipo de estudio:
Diagnostic_studies
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Observational_studies
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Risk_factors_studies
Límite:
Adolescent
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Adult
/
Aged
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Aged80
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Child
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Child, preschool
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Female
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Humans
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Infant
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Male
Idioma:
En
Revista:
Scand J Gastroenterol
Año:
2001
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Alemania
Pais de publicación:
Reino Unido