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Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia in children: is octreotide an effective and safe option in the treatment?
Sinan Sari1, Zeren Baris, Buket Dalgic
1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey. drsinansari@yahoo.com
Insights
Octreotide treatment in pediatric primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) reduced stool frequency and albumin infusion needs. This study evaluated long-term octreotide use and safety in children with IL.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (IL) is a rare condition.
- Limited data exist on long-term octreotide use for IL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of octreotide in pediatric primary IL.
- To analyze clinical outcomes and side effects of octreotide therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 6 pediatric patients with primary IL treated with octreotide.
- Evaluation of treatment duration, dosage, clinical data, and adverse events.
Main Results:
- Octreotide (15-20 μg/kg twice daily) reduced stool frequency in all patients.
- Serum albumin levels improved, and albumin infusion requirements decreased.
- One patient experienced acute pancreatitis as a side effect.
Conclusions:
- Octreotide is a potential treatment for refractory pediatric primary IL.
- It can help maintain serum albumin, improve symptoms, and reduce albumin dependency.
- Long-term safety profile requires further investigation.
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.
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