Glucagon in acute ureteral colic. A randomized trial.

Area of Science:

• Urology
• Pharmacology
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Ureteral calculi (kidney stones) commonly cause severe pain and colic.
• Glucagon, a hormone, has been investigated for its potential smooth muscle relaxant properties.
• Its efficacy in managing acute ureteral colic remains uncertain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of glucagon in managing acute ureteral colic.
• To assess glucagon's impact on pain relief and stone passage.
• To determine the side effect profile of glucagon in this context.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 37 adults with ureteral calculi (<6 mm).
• Glucagon administered as a 1 mg bolus followed by 2 mg/h infusion for 8 hours.
• Intravenous urography was performed, with glucagon or placebo given during the procedure.

Main Results:

• No significant difference in pain relief between glucagon and placebo groups.
• Glucagon did not improve the passage rate of ureteral calculi.
• Significantly higher incidence of nausea and/or vomiting in the glucagon group.

Conclusions:

• Glucagon is ineffective for treating acute ureteral colic.
• The potential benefits of glucagon do not outweigh the increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
• Glucagon should not be considered a therapeutic option for ureteral stones.