No kreon despite cystic fibrosis

Question

Dear Sir or Madam,

I (female, 24 years old, CF) have not taken kreon for about two years. I am 160cm tall and my weight is 53kg (stable) and I do not have abdominal pain at all and bowel movement is well. My doctor is not happy about it [that she is not taking kreon] but I do not see the difference if I take enzymes or not. Is it possible in CF that digestion works well?

Answer

Dear questioner,

You ask if it is possible that a CF patient does not need digestive enzymes. The answer is "yes". 85% of all adult CF patients have a so called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Patients with this pancreatic dysfunction have to take enzymes in addition to all fatty meals to have a regular digestion. The remaining 15% of the CF patients have a functioning pancreas and these patients therefore do not have to substitute pancreas enzymes. There are also patients that have a pancreatic dysfunction which is hardly recognized at the beginning but who need fat digesting enzymes as they grow older.
If you have to take enzymes with your meals depends on the function of your pancreas, on your medical condition (troubles) and on your weight status. The pancreatic function can be tested easily with a stool sample test (elastase in the stool). The regular taking of enzymes then should be clarified individually with your CF doctor.

Best regards,
Dr. Christina Smaczny

17.04.2012