Somatostatin in the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by angiodysplasia.
BACKGROUND
Bleeding due to gastrointestinal angiodysplasia is occasionally very difficult to treat by conventional means.


METHODS
A 37-year-old woman with recurrent anemia caused by angiodysplasia was treated with a somatostatin analogue, given at a dose of 100 micrograms subcutaneously twice daily.


RESULTS
After 26 months of treatment the patient was without any signs or symptoms of bleeding from her gastrointestinal angiodysplasia.


CONCLUSIONS
Somatostatin may be efficacious in the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding due to angiodysplasia. Further investigation is needed.
Dept. of Internal Medicine, Herning Central Hospital, Denmark.
M R
MR
Andersen
J
J
Aaseby
D000328:Adult; D016888:Angiodysplasia / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006471:Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis*; D006727:Hormone Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D013004:Somatostatin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
D006454:Hemoglobins; D006727:Hormone Antagonists; D013004:Somatostatin