Somatostatin Reduces Bile Secretion in Patients
Author Information
Author(s): HELENE BRYDE ANDERSEN, LJILJANA PETRONIJEVIl, BIRGITTE GIESE, THORKILD MYGIND, FLEMMING BURCHARTH
Primary Institution: University of Copenhagen
Hypothesis
Does continuous somatostatin infusion affect bile secretion and composition in patients with malignant biliary obstruction?
Conclusion
Somatostatin infusion significantly reduces bile secretion and the loss of bile constituents in patients with external biliary drainage.
Supporting Evidence
- Somatostatin infusion reduced daily bile loss from a median of 473 ml to 140 ml.
- The daily molar loss of cholesterol and triglycerides was significantly reduced.
- Concentration of glycochenodeoxycholic acid increased significantly during the infusion.
- Reduction in sodium and chloride loss was observed, with a median reduction of 50 mmol/day each.
Takeaway
This study shows that giving a medicine called somatostatin can help patients who lose too much bile, making them feel better.
Methodology
The study involved a 24-hour continuous infusion of somatostatin in seven patients, measuring bile secretion and composition before and during the infusion.
Limitations
The study had a small sample size and was limited to patients with malignant biliary obstruction.
Participant Demographics
Median age was 73 years (range 52-77 years), with five women and two men.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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