Open AccessPrimary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia in Children: Is Octreotide an Effective and Safe Option in the Treatment?
Author(s) -
Sari Sinan,
Baris Zeren,
Dalgic Buket
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.206
H-Index - 131
eISSN - 1536-4801
pISSN - 0277-2116
DOI - 10.1097/mpg.0b013e3181d1b162
Subject(s) - octreotide , medicine , refractory (planetary science) , gastroenterology , acute pancreatitis , surgery , somatostatin , physics , astrobiology
Objective: Octreotide has been suggested as a medical treatment option in refractory cases of primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL). There are few data about the long‐term effect and safety of octreotide for IL in the literature. In the present article we analyzed pediatric cases of primary IL with long‐term octreotide treatment and discussed its safety profile. Methods: Between 1999 and 2008, 13 children were diagnosed in our clinic as having IL. Six patients with primary IL were followed up, receiving octreotide therapy. The clinical data of the patients and duration of therapy, dose, and side effects of octreotide were evaluated. Results: Octreotide, 15 to 20 μg per body weight 2 times daily subcutaneously, was given to all of the patients. Duration of the octreotide treatment changed between 3 and 37 months. Stool frequency decreased in all of the patients after starting octreotide treatment. Serum albumin could be maintained at normal levels in 3 patients. The requirement of albumin infusions decreased in all of the patients. Acute pancreatitis was observed as a side effect of octreotide in 1 patient. Conclusions: Octreotide may help to maintain serum albumin levels, improve clinical findings, and decrease the requirement of albumin infusions in refractory cases of primary IL.