Der NBT-PABA-Test in der Diagnostik der exokrinen Pankreasinsuffizienz: Ein Vergleich mit dem Sekretin-Pankreozymin-Test, den Stuhlenzym-Bestimmungen und der quantitativen Stuhlfett-Analyse

Abstract

The NBT-PABA [nitroblue tetrazolium-p-aminobenzoic acid] test, an oral pancreatic function test, was performed in 67 patients with proven chronic pancreatitis (secretin-pancreozymin test or intraoperatively) and was pathological in 60 (89.6%). Prolongation of the urinary collection period from 6-9 h did not improve the diagnostic value. In comparison with the NBT-PABA test, the sensitivity of trypsin and chymotrypsin determination in stool was 40.6% and 62.2%, respectively. In severe exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, when pathological fecal fat excretion was demonstrable (steathorrhea), the accuracy of fecal enzyme determination was clearly higher (59.1% and 91.8%, respectively). Thus, the NBT-PABA test is an alternative diagnostic tool for exocrine pancreatic insufficiency when the secretin-pancreozymin test and fecal enzyme and fecal fat determination are too complicated. As intact absorption of NBT-PABA is possible, the test only provides a qualitative and limited quantitative evaluation of pancreatic function.