Elevated interleukin-8 in pancreatic fluid of pediatric patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.

OBJECTIVES

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) results from insufficient pancreatic enzyme and bicarbonate production, impairing digestion and causing malnutrition. Limited studies have been conducted to fully understand the underlying mechanisms contributing to pediatric EPI. The aim of this study was to measure interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels in pancreatic fluid of EPI patients to determine if IL-8 could be an inflammatory mediator in pediatric EPI.

METHODS

In this retrospective study, IL-8 protein levels were measured in pancreatic fluid collected from 193 pediatric patients evaluated for EPI. Based on the endoscopic pancreatic function test (ePFT) results, patients were categorized into normal and EPI groups, and statistical analyses explored associations between IL-8, enzyme deficiency, symptoms, and clinical diagnosis.

RESULTS

IL-8 levels were elevated in EPI patients (30%), versus normal group (6%) (p < 0.001). Symptoms significantly associated with EPI were constipation, diarrhea and weight loss. However, it is important to note that many of these symptoms overlapped with other symptoms. No significant association was observed between IL-8 and the disease subgroups, except for disaccharidase deficiency. Overall, there was a strong association of IL-8 with pancreatic enzyme deficiency, suggesting its role in EPI pathogenesis.

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to measure IL-8 levels in pancreatic fluid of a large cohort of pediatric EPI patients. The elevated IL-8 levels suggest its potential role as an inflammatory mediator in pediatric EPI. Furthermore, these findings open avenues for investigating other inflammatory factors that may contribute to EPI development.