Pharmacological therapy for gastrointestinal angiodysplasia

Gastrointestinal angiodysplasia (GIAD) is a common cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Pharmacological interventions assume significance in cases refractory to endoscopic management or in surgically inaccessible locations. A comprehensive literature search was conducted to identify relevant studies on the pharmacological management of GIAD, focusing primarily on hormonal therapy, thalidomide, and octreotide. Of 325 references, 290 were screened, 85 full texts were assessed, and 59 publications were included. Hormonal therapy lacks consistent evidence of efficacy and has significant side effects. Thalidomide has potential, albeit with substantial adverse events. Octreotide, demonstrates efficacy with minimal side effects, with its long-acting formulation appearing advantageous. While both thalidomide and octreotide present promising avenues, further research is warranted to assess their efficacy and safety profiles. Comparative studies could also provide invaluable insights for clinical practice.