Normal Function

Start the Normal Pancreatic Function animation by clicking on the "Play" button above or select one of the other topics to play: Pancreatic Insufficiency, Pancreatitis or Diabetes

Abnormal Function in Cystic Fibrosis
In CF patients, electrolytes cannot move across pancreatic tissues, preventing the organ from creating the proper digestive enzymes. Pancreatic secretions become dehydrated and thickened, and block pancreatic ducts. Even though these ducts are blocked, the pancreas continues to make more and more enzymes required for food digestion. This over-production of enzymes damages pancreatic tissue, and leads to fibrosis, or scarring, of the pancreas when it is no longer able to produce enough enzymes to properly digest food. 

Vitamin Deficiencies  Vitamin A Visual and skin changes Vitamin B12 Anemia  Vitamin D Bone abnormalities  Vitamin E Neurological problems  Vitamin K Blood clotting problems

Pancreatic Insufficiency
CF patients are unable to digest food properly when their pancreas loses 90 percent of its capability. The body will not be able to properly absorb the nutrients it needs because the food will not be broken down correctly without enzymes. Vitamins, such as A, B12, D, E and K, and fats are the most important nutrients that are not absorbed when a patient has pancreatic deficiency

When the body cannot correctly absorb and break down fats, the result is diarrhea, weight loss, and malnutrition. Taking additional pancreatic enzymes in pill form can help with the digestion of fats and reduce diarrhea. Approximately 80 percent of CF patients are pancreatic insufficient.

Pancreatitis
Pancreatic duct blockages can lead to pancreatitis, an inflammation that can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. A patient whose pancreas functions normally tends to develop pancreatitis more commonly than those patients whose pancreas does not work correctly. However, pancreatitis is still uncommon, occurring in less than 10 percent of patients.