The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) has emphasized the critical need for best practice updates to enhance awareness and treatment of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). The AGA recently published guidance to assist clinicians in the evaluation and management of EPI. The disease is often underdiagnosed, leading to inadequate treatment for many patients. The AGA Institute Clinical Practice Updates Committee reviewed evidence and expert opinions to develop 15 best practice advice statements for EPI diagnosis and management.
Key points include the importance of suspecting EPI in patients with high-risk clinical conditions, the use of fecal elastase as the initial test, and the necessity of treatment with pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) upon diagnosis. Effective EPI management requires broader diagnostic tool implementation and treatment optimization.