Open AccessGlucagon and barium enema examinations: a controlled clinical trial
Author(s) -
Roger K. Harned,
Carol B. Stelling,
S Mark Williams,
G Wolf
Publication year - 1976
Publication title -
american journal of roentgenology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.294
H-Index - 196
eISSN - 1546-3141
pISSN - 0361-803X
DOI - 10.2214/ajr.126.5.981
Subject(s) - medicine , barium enema , glucagon , enema , barium , radiology , colonoscopy , insulin , cancer , inorganic chemistry , chemistry , colorectal cancer
In a double-blind crossover clinical trial, 10 healthy volunteers received placebo and 2 mg glucagon intramuscularly preceding barium enema examination on separate days. In addition, 50 patients were given either placebo or 2 mg glucagon prior to barium enema examination in a double-blind study. The results of 38 variables determined on each study population were similar. When glucagon was given, both the patients and examiners noted significantly less discomfort and more bowel relaxation. There were no significant changes in pulse, blood pressure, or electrocardiogram. Adverse reactions did not occur frequently enough to allow confident comparison of placebo and glucagon. It is concluded that the use of glucagon can provide a more comfortable barium examination with acceptable safety.