The Value of a Provocative Serum Enzyme Test in Pancreatic Dyspepsia

Abstract

A selected series of 30 patients with positive prostigmine-morphine diastase tests is presented. A group of 50 control values are recorded. The symptom complex of pancreatic dyspepsia which led to the selection for study is described. A review of reported effects of morphine on serum diastase activity is conducted and a question of the general acceptance of false positive reactions is raised. The value of applying the described test in appropriate clinical situations and the importance of follow-up in positive reactors is emphasized.