Which stool-related sign indicates adequate pancreatic enzyme therapy in a child with cystic fibrosis?

Which stool-related sign indicates adequate pancreatic enzyme therapy in a child with cystic fibrosis?

• A. Stools color
• B. Amount and consistency of stools
• C. Stool odor
• D. Stool frequency per day

Answer: (B)

Stool amount and how solid the stool is are the best indicators that pancreatic enzyme therapy is working. In cystic fibrosis with pancreatic insufficiency, undigested fat makes stools bulky, oily, and foul-smelling. When enzyme replacement provides adequate fat digestion, stools become smaller in volume and more formed, reflecting improved absorption. Stool color and odor or how often stools occur can vary with diet and other factors and don’t reliably show enzyme adequacy, even though they might improve somewhat. So, monitoring changes toward normal stool quantity and a well-formed consistency is the most consistent sign that therapy is effective.

Stool amount and how solid the stool is are the best indicators that pancreatic enzyme therapy is working. In cystic fibrosis with pancreatic insufficiency, undigested fat makes stools bulky, oily, and foul-smelling. When enzyme replacement provides adequate fat digestion, stools become smaller in volume and more formed, reflecting improved absorption. Stool color and odor or how often stools occur can vary with diet and other factors and don’t reliably show enzyme adequacy, even though they might improve somewhat. So, monitoring changes toward normal stool quantity and a well-formed consistency is the most consistent sign that therapy is effective.