[The activity of gastrointestinal enzymes in chronic viral hepatitis B and C].

The study was undertaken to evaluate the enzymatic activity of the gastrointestinal tract in patients with chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) B and C. Fecal tests were made in 44 patients. The general pancreatic maldigestion syndrome was observed in 18% of patients with CVH B and C. A direct relationship was found between the content of starch, and indigested muscle fibers, neutral fat, and digested cellulose, which points to the fact that there is a decrease in the pancreatic acinous tissue synthesis of just several enzymes, i.e. generalized pancreatic insufficiency was observed. It is recommended that all patients with CVH should undergo a fecal test whereby the enzymatic activity of the gastrointestinal tract may be, if a certain diet is given, evaluated to prescribe timely enzyme replacement therapy.