pancreatic insufficiency

pancreatic insufficiency,

a condition characterized by inadequate production and secretion of pancreatic hormones or enzymes. It usually occurs secondary to a disease process destructive to pancreatic tissue. Nutritional malabsorption, anorexia, poorly localized upper abdominal or epigastric pain, malaise, and severe weight loss often occur. Alcohol-induced pancreatitis is the most common form of the condition. Supportive care, specific treatment of the cause, and replacement or augmentation of the absent or lacking substances are usually recommended as therapy for pancreatic insufficiency.

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pancreatic insufficiency

A relative or absolute lack of pancreatic enzymes, a finding typical of cystic fibrosis. See Cystic fibrosis.