Tryptophan in the treatment of carcinoid crisis.
A 56-year-old woman was admitted with carcinoid crisis and became comatose. Blood tryptophan at this stage was 5 micrograms/ml; after treatment with 3.4 g tryptophan daily her level of consciousness improved and blood tryptophan increased to 10 micrograms/ml. The carcinoid syndrome was not exacerbated by tryptophan. Tryptophan may have a supportive role in the management of carcinoid crisis.
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid / Q000652:urine; D007813:Laparotomy; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000556:secondary; D008303:Malignant Carcinoid Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality; D008875:Middle Aged; D009918:Orbital Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000556:secondary; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D006897:Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid; D014364:Tryptophan