What are the elastase standard values?

The amount of pancreatic elastase should be above 200 μg/g in the stool in adults. The amount of pancreatic elastase in blood serum should be less than 3,5μg/ml. In pancreas, the amount should be between 0.16 g/l and 0.45 g/l.

As with all laboratory values, there are no generally accepted values that determine health or disease. On the one hand, the absolute values of a laboratory parameter, such as the elastase value, are subject to physiological fluctuations in every human being. This means that a lowered value can be pathological in one person while it is completely normal in another person. In addition, the standard values are determined differently for each laboratory, so in case of doubt, the laboratory’s stated values should be observed.

What happens when the elastase is reduced?

If the formation of pancreatic elastase is reduced, digestion is disturbed. Since the elastase splits food proteins into smaller fragments, they are less easily absorbed in the following intestinal sections. In addition, diarrhoea can occur more frequently.

Furthermore, it is possible that not only the exocrine part of the pancreas is affected by an insufficiency with reduced production of the proteins for digestion, but also the endocrine part of the pancreas, which is responsible, among other things, for the regulation of blood sugar levels, has a deficient production of hormones. This can often lead to disorders of the blood sugar level. Therapy is based on the failed functions.

Pancreatic Insufficiency
Hormones of the pancreas

The reasons for a lowered elastase level in the stool can be many and varied. If a lowered value is found, further clarification is required in any case, as the causes can be very serious. Pancreatic cancer is a more frequent cause.

Functioning tissue of the pancreas is replaced by non-functioning tumor tissue. In addition, a narrowing of the pancreatic duct can lead to reduced values. This narrowing can have several causes, such as gallstones.

Since untreated pancreas tissue can be digested, immediate intervention is recommended. Other reasons for a low elastase level can be chronic inflammation of the pancreas, so-called chronic pancreatitis, a cyst, pancreatic insufficiency or cystic fibrosis. You can find additional information under:

Pancreatic cancer
Gallstones