High Serum Levels of secretory immunoglobulin a in cronic pancreatitis

Background and aim. Elevated levels of secretory immunoglobulin A have been reported in patients with cholestatic hepatitis. Secretory immunoglobulin A is present in the biliary and pancreatic tract. Chronic pancreatitis is a disease characterized by dilatation of Wirsung's duct. The aim of the study was to evaluate secretory immunoglobulin A levels in patients suffering from chronic pancreatitis. Patients and Methods. The study population consisted of 66 consecutive chronic pancreatitis patients (55 male, 11 female; mean age 49.6±10 years), 26 patients suffering from acute recurrent pancreatitis (9 males, 17 females; mean age 39.6±10.6 years) and 90 healthy controls, pair-matched for sex and age with the chronic pancreatitis patients. Secretory immunoglobulin A was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, as were serum alanine transaminase and GGT. Results. Secretory immunoglobulin A levels were significantly higher in chronic pancreatitis patients (35±23.7 mg/l) than in those acute recurrent pancreatitis group (16.1±7.9) and in healthy controls (11.8±4.9 mg/l) (p<0.0001). Secretory immunoglobulin A was significantly higher in chronic pancreatitis patients with steatorrhoea, diabetes and calcifications and in those undergoing pancreatic surgery. Of 61 chronic pancreatitis patients, 14 (23%) had pathological GGT. When only chronic pancreatitis patients with normal GGT levels were analysed, the differences in secretory immunoglobulin A levels between groups of patients and between chronic pancreatitis subgroups remained statistically significant. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that secretory immunoglobulin A is elevated in chronic pancreatitis. Its value in the staging of patients needs to be further evaluated.