what is epi

9 months ago 31
Nature

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is a condition in which the pancreas does not produce enough digestive enzymes, leading to difficulties in digesting food and absorbing nutrients. This can result in symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. EPI can be caused by various factors, including chronic pancreatitis, cystic fibrosis, pancreatic cancer, and certain surgical procedures. Treatment typically involves pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) to help the body digest food properly