The Management of gastrointestinal haemorrhage by somatostatin after apparently successful endoscopic injection sclerotherapy for bleeding oesophageal varices
1991

Somatostatin for Bleeding Oesophagitis or Ulceration After Sclerotherapy for Oesophageal Varices

Sample size: 22 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): S.A. Jenkins, R. Shields, N. Jaser, S. Ellenbogen, C. Makin, E. Naylor, M. Newstead, J.N. Baxter

Hypothesis

Somatostatin may be effective in controlling hemorrhage after sclerotherapy for esophageal varices.

Conclusion

Somatostatin is effective in controlling hemorrhage and preventing rebleeding in patients with bleeding from oesophagitis or ulcers following sclerotherapy.

Supporting Evidence

  • Somatostatin was effective in controlling hemorrhage in all patients with bleeding from oesophagitis.
  • Somatostatin controlled bleeding in 12 of the 14 patients with ulcers.
  • Two patients required additional bolus injections of somatostatin to control persistent bleeding.

Takeaway

This study shows that somatostatin can help stop bleeding in patients who have had problems after treatment for varices in the esophagus.

Methodology

Twenty-two patients were treated with intravenous somatostatin after experiencing severe hemorrhage from oesophagitis or ulcers following sclerotherapy.

Limitations

Some patients required additional treatment despite somatostatin, indicating variability in response.

Participant Demographics

Patients included 8 with oesophagitis and 14 with ulcers.

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