title: Effectiveness of glucagon in relieving esophageal foreign body impaction: a multicenter study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Glucagon is thought to decrease lower esophageal sphincter tone and is used as an alternative to invasive endoscopy for esophageal foreign body impaction (EFBI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of glucagon and identify characteristics associated with success.
  
  
  METHODS
  A multicenter, retrospective study of patients receiving glucagon for EFBI at 2 academic emergency departments was conducted between 2006 and 2010. A control group of patients that did not receive glucagon was evaluated. Data collection included demographics, type of foreign body, glucagon dose, resolution of impaction, incidence of vomiting, additional medication, and endoscopy required. Descriptive and univariate analysis was performed as appropriate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 133 doses of glucagon were administered in 127 patients. Glucagon-related resolution of EFBI occurred in 18 patients (14.2%) and vomiting in 16 patients (12.6%). No statistical differences between successful and unsuccessful groups were seen with the exception of concomitant medication administration (benzodiazepine or nitroglycerin) being associated with less glucagon success, 33.3% vs 59.6%, respectively (P = .04). Eighty-four percent of patients in the unsuccessful group underwent endoscopy. Comparing those that received glucagon (n = 127) and the control group (n = 29), there was no significant difference in resolution of EFBI, 14.2% vs 10.3%, respectively (P = .586).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Glucagon-related resolution occurred in 14.2% of patients and was not significantly different compared with those that did not receive glucagon (10.3%). Concomitant medication administration was associated with lower success. Overall, glucagon had a low success rate, was related to adverse effects, and does not offer advantages for treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 655, Rochester, NY 14642.
authors.forename: Ryan P
authors.initials: RP
authors.lastname: Bodkin
authors.affiliation: Medical University of South Carolina, 150 Ashley Ave, PO Box 25084, Charleston, SC 29425.
authors.forename: Kyle A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Weant
authors.affiliation: Clinical Pharmacy Services, St Claire Regional Medical Center, 222 Medical Cir, Morehead, KY 40351.
authors.forename: Stephanie
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baker Justice
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 655, Rochester, NY 14642.
authors.forename: Matthew T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Spencer
authors.affiliation: Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 655, Rochester, NY 14642; Department of Pharmacy, University of Rochester Medical Center, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box 638, Rochester, NY 14642. Electronic address: nicole_acquisto@urmc.rochester.edu.
authors.forename: Nicole M
authors.initials: NM
authors.lastname: Acquisto
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital; D004724:Endoscopy; D004947:Esophagus; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies / Q000628:therapy*; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005934:Glucagon / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D005934:Glucagon