Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia in children: is octreotide an effective and safe option in the treatment?
OBJECTIVE
Octreotide has been suggested as a medical treatment option in refractory cases of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL). There are few data about the long-term effect and safety of octreotide for IL in the literature. In the present article we analyzed pediatric cases of primary IL with long-term octreotide treatment and discussed its safety profile.


METHODS
Between 1999 and 2008, 13 children were diagnosed in our clinic as having IL. Six patients with primary IL were followed up, receiving octreotide therapy. The clinical data of the patients and duration of therapy, dose, and side effects of octreotide were evaluated.


RESULTS
Octreotide, 15 to 20 μg per body weight 2 times daily subcutaneously, was given to all of the patients. Duration of the octreotide treatment changed between 3 and 37 months. Stool frequency decreased in all of the patients after starting octreotide treatment. Serum albumin could be maintained at normal levels in 3 patients. The requirement of albumin infusions decreased in all of the patients. Acute pancreatitis was observed as a side effect of octreotide in 1 patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Octreotide may help to maintain serum albumin levels, improve clinical findings, and decrease the requirement of albumin infusions in refractory cases of primary IL.
Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. drsinansari@yahoo.com
Sinan
S
Sari
Zeren
Z
Baris
Buket
B
Dalgic
D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008201:Lymphangiectasis, Intestinal / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D008209:Lymphedema / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D015282:Octreotide / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000139:chemically induced; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000187:drug effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D012709:Serum Albumin; D015282:Octreotide