title: Initial experience with octreotide in the pediatric population.
abstract: Octreotide is a somatostatin analogue that has been suggested as a therapeutic agent in various diverse disease processes including gastrointestinal bleeding, pancreatitis, hypoglycemia related to hyperinsulin states, and chylous peritoneum/thorax. Despite successful use in the adult population, there is limited information concerning its use in pediatric patients. The authors retrospectively review their experience with octreotide in 10 infants and children ranging in age from 14 days to 17 years. Octreotide, administered by continuous intravenous infusion or intermittent bolus dosing, was used in the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding in four patients, pancreatitis in three patients, chylous leaks in two patients, and hypoglycemia related to nesidioblastosis in one patient. The clinical course of these patients and the potential therapeutic impact of octreotide are evaluated. Additionally, previous experiences with octreotide in pediatric patients, dosing regimens, and the potential role of the drug in other disease processes are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Health, Division of Pediatric Critical Care/Pediatric Anesthesiology, University of Missouri, One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Lam
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Aters
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Tobias
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004935:Esophageal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D008499:Medical Records; D015282:Octreotide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010182:Pancreatic Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D012189:Retrospective Studies
chemical_list: D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D006490:Hemostatics; D015282:Octreotide