Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy
Also written as: PERT — Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy
Medical treatment with exogenous pancreatic enzymes to manage pancreatic exocrine insufficiency following surgery or disease.
Full Definition
Pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT) involves oral supplementation with lipase, protease, and amylase to compensate for reduced pancreatic enzyme production. This therapy is essential for patients who have undergone pancreatic resection, those with chronic pancreatitis, or individuals with pancreatic cancer causing ductal obstruction. PERT improves digestion of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates, preventing malabsorption, steatorrhea, and nutritional deficiencies. Dosing is individualized based on meal fat content, typically starting with 25,000-50,000 units of lipase per meal. Patient education regarding timing, dosage adjustment, and recognition of malabsorption symptoms is crucial for optimal outcomes.
Usage
Usage note: Specify lipase units when documenting dosage; abbreviate as PERT after first mention.
In Context
- "The patient was initiated on pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy with 50,000 units of lipase per meal." — Discharge medication reconciliation
- "Optimizing PERT dosage resulted in resolution of steatorrhea and weight stabilization." — Follow-up clinic note