EXOCRINE PANCREATIC FUNCTIONS IN AGED

Abstract: Twenty-three elderly males in Egypt, whose ages ranged from 60 to 72 years, underwent a study of their exocrine pancreatic functions by means of the intravenous secretin test. The results showed a reduction of the volume of pancreatic secretions (mean, 55.2 ml) to one third of the normal mean for adults, and a selective reduction in enzyme activity. Amylase and trypsin activities (554 units and 1/102 dilution respectively) were decreased to two thirds of the normal values. Lipase activity was normal (mean, 1.1 unit per ml). This reduced volume and enzyme production might be attributed to three factors acting singly or in combination: 1) the aging process itself, 2) the frequency of chronic fibrosing pancreatitis in the aged, favoured by the high incidence of gall stones, and 3) impairment of the vascular supply to the pancreas. Therapeutic supplementation of pancreatic enzymes is recommended, to prevent these clinical or latent deficiencies which may have a great bearing on the health of the aged. Copyright © 1968 by the American Geriatrics Society.