Living with Combined pancreatic lipase-colipase deficiency
A rare genetic condition from birth where the body cannot absorb fat well, causing greasy, foul-smelling stools.
Understanding Combined pancreatic lipase-colipase deficiency
The pancreas does not make enough of two enzymes, lipase and colipase, that break down fat. This causes fatty, foul-smelling stools from birth and low levels of carotene and vitamin E in the blood. People are otherwise healthy and develop normally, with no apparent pancreas disease.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD's summary describes:
- Fatty, foul-smelling stools from birth (steatorrhea)
- Low carotene in the blood
- Low vitamin E in the blood
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include digestive system specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Digestive system specialists (gastroenterologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says changes in genes cause this condition, but doesn't list a specific gene or inheritance pattern.
Also known as: combined pancreatic lipase and colipase deficiency
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Combined pancreatic lipase-colipase deficiency.
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