Continuous intraarterial infusion of protease inhibitors in acute pancreatitis

Low-molecular-weight protease inhibitors were synthesized and developed in Japan and are in clinical use there for the treatment of acute pancreatitis. However, protease inhibitors are not acknowledged as drugs for the treatment of pancreatitis in other countries. In a recent study in 30 patients with necrotizing pancreatitis, survival rate was improved (mortality rate 13.3%) by continuous intraarterial administration of low-molecular-weight protease inhibitors as compared to conventional treatment. In Italy it was reported that pancreatic disorder decreased after the administration of low-molecular-weight protease inhibitors before the start of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Low-molecular-weight protease inhibitors may be potential alternative drugs for the treatment and/or prevention of acute pancreatitis and, therefore, warrant further evaluation. (c) 2001 Prous Science. All rights reserved.