CFDB - Cystic Fibrosis DataBase

primary studies published RCT

A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a pancreatic enzyme formulation (Panzytrat (R) 25 000) in the treatment of impaired lipid digestion in patients with cystic fibrosis.

Study design (if review, criteria of inclusion for studies)

randomised, controlled double-blind parallel group study

Participants

15 children (mean age 12 years) with proven cystic fibrosis and a lipid absorption coefficient (LAC) < 90%. 14 patients were evaluated

Interventions

Panzytrat (R) 25 000 (n = 7) or placebo (n = 7) orally during meals, in an age-adjusted dosage of 2 (< 18 months), 4 (18 months to puberty) or 6 (postpubertal) capsules daily for 8 days. Baseline values were established after treatment with a conventional powdered pancreatin preparation and an age-adjusted diet.

Outcome measures

efficacy

Main results

After treatment, the mean LAC was 80.5% in the Panzytrat (R) 25 000 group compared with 55.6% in the placebo group. In the Panzytrat (R) 25 000 group there was an improvement in LAC (+25%), stool weight (-46%), and in nondigested (-38%) and nonabsorbed (-47%) faecal fat. In contrast, in the placebo group there was a worsening of all 4 of these parameters with changes of -10% for LAC, +32% for stool weight, +36% for nondigested fat, and +46% for nonabsorbed fat. The difference between the Panzytrat (R) 25 000 and the placebo groups was statistically significant (p < 0.01) for all 4 parameters. Subjective assessment of efficacy by the clinician was rated as 'good' or 'excellent' for 86% of patients in the Panzytrat (R)) 25 000 group compared with 14% of those in the placebo group (p = 0.015).

Authors' conclusions

Tolerability was 'good' or 'excellent' in all patients except one placebo recipient who complained of digestive upset.

Keywords: Adolescent; Child; Infant; Oral; Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy; Panzytrat; placebo; Supplementation; Pancreas insufficiency; Pancreatic Diseases; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Malabsorption; Nutrition Disorders; Capsules; Powders; pharmacological_intervention; Gastrointestinal Agents;