The results of a 67hour cyclic somatostatin continuous infusion in a patient with
a bleeding ulcer are reported. The subject was a 65 year old male with very heavy
gastrointestinal bleeding on the 9th postoperative day following a high BI-resection.
Endoscopy revealed the bleeding to be caused by two residual ulcers in the area of
the anastomosis. Somatostatin treatment led to an immediate cessation of the bleeding
after 1 hour. Gastric secretion as well as gastrin, insulin and growth hormone levels
were significantly inhibited by somatostatin. Endoscopy at the end of the treatment
period showed two ulcers in the process of healing. The raised blood glucose levels
caused by somatostatin were easily controlled with max. 14 IU cristalline insulin
daily. Except for dryness in the mouth, no adverse side effects were apparent. There
was no evidence from laboratory investigations of hemostatic defects or bleeding tendency
in the patient.
Somatostatin - Peptic Ulcer - Bleeding
