A randomized, controlled trial of octreotide in the management of patients with acute pancreatitis.
CONCLUSIONS
In this study, octreotide was not found to be of benefit in the treatment of acute pancreatitis.


BACKGROUND
Somatostatin and its long-acting analog octreotide have both been proposed for the treatment of patients with acute pancreatitis, but neither agent has been adequately assessed in patients with severe attacks.


METHODS
Fifty-eight patients with moderate or severe acute pancreatitis who were admitted to hospitals within the west of Scotland over an 18-mo period were randomized to receive octreotide, 40 micrograms/h, by continuous i.v. infusion for 5 d, or placebo in addition to standard supportive therapy.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications (54% octreotide group and 40% placebo group) or mortality (octreotide group 18%; placebo group 20%).
McKay
C
C
Department of Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, UK.
Baxter
J
J
Imrie
C
C
D000208:Acute Disease; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015282:Octreotide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000401:mortality
D015282:Octreotide