Abstract
Objectives
An algorithm was designed aiming to provide consistency of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) dosing/titration across healthcare professionals in pancreaticobiliary cancers (PBC). This prospective observational study aimed to validate this algorithm.
Methods
Consecutive patients with inoperable or post-operative PBC with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) symptoms, not taking PERT, or taking below the algorithm ‘starting dose’, were eligible. A dietitian or clinical nurse specialist reviewed patients for up to 3 weeks, titrating PERT as per the algorithm. Feasibility of algorithm deliverability was assessed by the percentage of patients with successful completion (primary objective).
Results
Eligible patients (n = 25): at baseline 22 taking PERT [100% on suboptimal doses, 54.5% taking incorrectly], 3 initiated PERT due to PEI symptoms. Algorithm completion 20/25 (80%) patients, confirming deliverability by dietitians (11/12; 92%) and Clinical nurse specialist (9/13; 69%). Symptom resolution in 8/19 (42%), 3/7 (43%) and 1/3 (33%) patients at 1st, 2nd and 3rd reviews, respectively; advice compliance between 63-86%.
Conclusion
This algorithm provides a structured method to titrate PERT. At diagnosis, all patients with PBC should be assessed for PEI and adequate PERT initiated. Regular reviews are required for timely symptom resolution and adequate escalation, facilitating differential diagnosis if refractory symptoms exist.
Key words
Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency; Pancreatic Cancer; Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy
An algorithm was designed aiming to provide consistency of pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) dosing/titration across healthcare professionals in pancreaticobiliary cancers (PBC). This prospective observational study aimed to validate this algorithm.
Methods
Consecutive patients with inoperable or post-operative PBC with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) symptoms, not taking PERT, or taking below the algorithm ‘starting dose’, were eligible. A dietitian or clinical nurse specialist reviewed patients for up to 3 weeks, titrating PERT as per the algorithm. Feasibility of algorithm deliverability was assessed by the percentage of patients with successful completion (primary objective).
Results
Eligible patients (n = 25): at baseline 22 taking PERT [100% on suboptimal doses, 54.5% taking incorrectly], 3 initiated PERT due to PEI symptoms. Algorithm completion 20/25 (80%) patients, confirming deliverability by dietitians (11/12; 92%) and Clinical nurse specialist (9/13; 69%). Symptom resolution in 8/19 (42%), 3/7 (43%) and 1/3 (33%) patients at 1st, 2nd and 3rd reviews, respectively; advice compliance between 63-86%.
Conclusion
This algorithm provides a structured method to titrate PERT. At diagnosis, all patients with PBC should be assessed for PEI and adequate PERT initiated. Regular reviews are required for timely symptom resolution and adequate escalation, facilitating differential diagnosis if refractory symptoms exist.
Key words
Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency; Pancreatic Cancer; Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1254-1259 |
| Journal | Pancreas |
| Volume | 50 |
| Issue number | 9 |
| Early online date | 1 Oct 2021 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Oct 2021 |
Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms
- Manchester Cancer Research Centre
