The assessment of chronic pancreatitis.

The stimulated pancreatic polypeptide (PP) response was compared to standard tests of pancreatic function in patients with proven chronic pancreatitis and control subjects. Although the median values of the PP test in patients were statistically significantly different from those of controls, much variability was seen in both groups. The PP response seems to correlate with pancreatic exocrine function and shows good agreement with the results of other tests of exocrine pancreatic function while avoiding many of the difficulties inherent in performing other tests. Although more studies are needed, the PP response provides a valuable test of pancreatic function.