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StatPearls, LLC

  • Bicarbonates
  • Body Mass Index
  • Cystic Fibrosis
  • Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency
  • Vitamins

Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency

Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI) is characterized by the inadequate delivery of pancreatic enzymes and bicarbonate to the duodenum, resulting in maldigestion and malabsorption. Most commonly, EPI arises from chronic pancreatitis in adults and cystic fibrosis in children; additional contributors include pancreatic resections or neoplasms, diabetes mellitus, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, postsurgical anatomy, and ductal obstruction. Lipase inactivation occurs early in the disease, so fat malabsorption typically precedes carbohydrate and protein malabsorption, resulting in steatorrhea, bloating, abdominal discomfort, and weight loss. Consequences include micronutrient deficiencies (especially fat-soluble vitamins), low bone mineral density, sarcopenia, and impaired quality of life, with increased morbidity and mortality when untreated. Presentation frequently overlaps with functional gastrointestinal disorders, which contributes to underrecognition and diagnostic delay. Early identification permits timely therapy and prevention of complications. Upon completing the activity, the participant can apply a stepwise approach to EPI, recognizing risk factors and red-flag symptoms, selecting and interpreting diagnostic tests, and differentiating EPI from other diseases with overlapping symptoms. Management skills include initiating pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy with meals and snacks at weight-based doses, titrating the dose to achieve symptom control and stool normalization, and adding acid suppression when indicated. Ongoing care encompasses dietary counseling, alcohol abstinence, smoking cessation, and routine assessment of weight, body mass index, bone density, and vitamin and mineral levels. Collaboration with an interprofessional team comprised of gastroenterology, primary care, dietitians, pharmacy, endocrinology, and cystic fibrosis specialists can optimize outcomes by aligning testing, dosing, adherence education, and nutrition plans…

Credit & MOC Details

Credit information is provided by the course provider. We recommend confirming credit eligibility with the provider or your licensing board before starting the activity.

Credit types

AAPA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsAMA PRA Category 1 Credit™Up to 1.5 creditsNursingUp to 1.5 creditsPharmacyUp to 1.5 credits

MOC types

ABS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABPATH — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABA — Lifelong LearningUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Accredited CMEUp to 1.5 pointsABIM — Medical KnowledgeUp to 1.5 pointsABS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABP — Lifelong Learning and Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 pointsABTS — Self-AssessmentUp to 1.5 points

FDA REMS

No

Qualifies for MIPS

No

Target Specialties

Cross-Specialty

Relevant across 7 specialties.

Pricing

Fee varies

This provider typically $49–98

See fees on statpearls.com

Listed by the provider

  • Article / monograph / reference
  • Credit · Up to 1.5 credits
  • MOC · Up to 1.5 points
  • Fee varies · this provider typically $49–98
  • Released
    Sep 1, 2026
  • Last day to claim credit
    Sep 1, 2029 3 years left

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