Subcutaneous octreotide for the prevention of early variceal rebleeding

Effects of a long-acting formulation of octreotide on renal function and renal sodium handling in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

“…34 Interestingly, no dose-effect relationship for somatostatin on renal function could be established in this study. The effect of long-term subcutaneous octreotide administration twice daily has been studied by Malesci et al 19 In an open study design with no placebo control, renal function measurements were performed after 2 weeks of treatment at a time when the serum concentration of octreotide would be expected to be negligible, 21 which is also indicated by unchanged fasting levels of glucagon and insulin. Consequently, no effects on renal function were seen.…”

“…19,20 As a result of the administration form, fluctuating serum levels of octreotide were achieved, and the measurements of renal function were performed in both studies at a time when the effect of octreotide may have been only negligible. 21 In an experimental model of cirrhosis, octreotide-LAR treatment inhibited sodium retention and thus had a beneficial effect on renal function. 22 Accordingly, the aim of the current study was to investigate the effects of long-term octreotide treatment with constantly high serum levels of octreotide on renal hemodynamics and tubular function in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension in a randomized, double-blind, controlled design.…”

Continuous Intravenous Octreotide Treatment for Acute Experimental Pancreatitis

“…These conditions, which often occur in acute pancreatitis, may impede the absorption of the drug from the subcutaneous tissues. Clinical and pharmacokinetic studies in patients suffering from bleeding esophageal varices support this hypothesis [16, 17]. Thus, determination of the optimal method of octreotide administration is essential for studying the efficacy of treatment.…”

“…However, as acute pancreatitis is often characterized by a rapidly progressive pathophysiological process, hypovolemia and shock, which hinder the absorption of the drug from the subcutaneous tissues, continuous intravenous administration of octreotide may be advantageous. Moreover, data obtained from pharmacokinetic studies and from clinical studies with patients who suffered from bleeding esophageal varices [16, 17]support this therapeutic regimen. Delineation of the optimal method of treatment, the dosage and route of administration of the drugs is essential in order to determine whether the therapy is efficacious.…”