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Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) develops when the pancreas can no longer produce sufficient digestive enzymes to prevent malabsorption. EPI typically occurs in patients with chronic pancreatitis, has been extensively studied, and is treated by pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy with exogenous porcine enzymes. Comparatively less is known about EPI following acute pancreatitis, and a recent meta-analysis addresses that.
Forty-one studies were included. Seventy percent of acute episodes were due to gallstones and only 17% to alcohol. Among 10 studies that looked at EPI prevalence during admission, the rate was 62% (95% confidence interval, 39%–82%). Among 8 studies that looked at rates during admission and at follow-up, the prevalenc…