Diagnostic value of indirect pancreatic function test in serum of anuric patients with chronic renal failure

Abstract

Although patients with chronic renal failure have a high incidence of chronic pancreatic disease, the condition is frequently overlooked. We have modified the pancreolauryl test-an indirect pancreatic function test-for anuric patients. The test permitted good discrimination between patients with chronic pancreatic disease and those with a normal pancreas when serum levels of fluorescein were measured 10 h after administration with a standard meal. The sensitivity at this time interval was 80% and the specificity 83%. We conclude that the pancreolauryl test with serum measurements provides a simple, noninvasive, and reliable diagnostic test for chronic pancreatic disease in anuric patients with chronic renal failure.

Key Words:

• chronic pancreatic disease
• chronic renal failure
• diagnostic test
• fluorescein