Rapid reversal of life-threatening hypoglycaemia with a somatostatin analogue (octreotide). A case report.
A patient with life-threatening hypoglycaemia caused by metastatic malignant insulinoma is described. Treatment with octreotide (SMS 201-995, Sandostatin; Sandoz) resulted in immediate sustained improvement of the hypoglycaemia despite persistent high levels of insulin. The possible mechanisms of action, other indications and contraindications of octreotide are discussed.
D007516:Adenoma, Islet Cell / Q000150:complications*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007003:Hypoglycemia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D007340:Insulinoma / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015282:Octreotide; D010190:Pancreatic Neoplasms / Q000150:complications*; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D013004:Somatostatin; D015282:Octreotide