Pancreatic exocrine function

Summary 1. Because of the ability of pancreatic lipase to split fats into products which are usually readily absorbed, triolein-I¹³¹ may be used to evaluate pancreatic exocrine function.2. A series of individuals with normal gastrointestinal function excreted less than 2.5 per cent of an oral dose of triolein-I¹³¹ in their stool. Elevated excretion of the product was observed in patients with chronic pancreatitis, malabsorption syndromes, and subtotal gastrectomies.3. The test is economical, easy to perform, and may be run on an outpatient basis.The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Medical Department, or the Naval Service at large.