Synthetic somatostatin analogues in cures of bleeding from esophageal varices

The study of clinical effectiveness of synthetic somatostatin analogues in prophylaxis of bleeding from esophageal varices was conducted. There were 129 patients (mean age 45,2 ± 16,3) with previous or continuous bleeding from oesophageal varices included in the study, 65 of whom received synthetic somatostatin analogues (sandostatin and octreotide) therapy. Synthetic somatostatin analogues were administered as intravenous bolus injection in 100 μg dose, followed by continuous intravenous infusion at a rate of 25 μg/h for 2 days. From day 3, medication was given subcutaneously, 300 μg per day for another 3 days. The pressure in the portal system was measured with endoscopic tensometry in order to assess the effectiveness of somatostatin analogues. There was a tendency for portal pressure to decrease with a mean value being 33%. Synthetic somatostatin analogues are effective means of therapeutic haemostasis, preventing the recurrence of bleeding from oesophageal varices with haemostatic effect being above 85%.

esophageal varices, bleeding esophageal varices, endoscopic tensometry