Treatment
Treatment involves healing the underlying condition to prevent further pancreatic damage where possible and managing the symptoms. Patients may be given oral preparations of pancreatic enzymes as a supplement to make up for the decreased production, to aid digestion. They may also be given vitamin supplements (especially fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, since chronic pancreatitis is associated with lowered absorption of fats) and may be put on a diet low in fat and high in protein and calories to help them gain and maintain weight.
In Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS), unlike in cystic fibrosis, the pancreatic ductal architecture is spared and for reasons yet to be identified, pancreatic lipase secretion increases with age, often improving pancreatic function to normal levels of fat absorption. Approximately 50% of patients with SDS become pancreatically sufficient throughout childhood and no longer require enzyme replacement therapy.
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