Abstract |
We studied whether somatostatin or its derivative, octreotide, is more effective than placebo in the treatment of bleeding oesophageal varices in a randomised, double-blind trial and a meta-analysis with blinded data analysis and manuscript writing. Patients suspected of bleeding from oesophageal varices and of having cirrhosis of the liver were eligible. Eighty-six patients were randomised; 16 died in each group within six weeks (95% confidence interval (CI) for difference in mortality -19% to 22%). There were no differences between somatostatin and placebo in median number of blood transfusions (8 vs 5, p = 0.07, CI 0 to 4 transfusions) or in numbers of patients who needed balloon tamponade (16 vs 13, p = 0.54, CI -11% to 28%). In a meta-analysis of three trials, involving 290 patients, somatostatin had no effect on survival compared with placebo (p = 0.59, odds ratio 1.16, CI 0.67 to 2.01). For blood transfusions and use of balloon tamponade there was heterogeneity between the trials with no convincing evidence in favour of somatostatin.
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Authors | P C Gøtzsche, I E Gjørup, H Bonnén, N E Brahe, P U Becker, F Burcharth |
Journal | Ugeskrift for laeger
(Ugeskr Laeger)
Vol. 158
Issue 17
Pg. 2393-6
(Apr 22 1996)
ISSN: 0041-5782 [Print] Denmark |
Vernacular Title | Randomiseret undersøgelse og metaanalyse af somatostatin over for placebo ved blødende esophagusvaricer. |
PMID | 8685994
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Clinical Trial, Phase II, English Abstract, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
- Gastrointestinal Agents
- Hormone Antagonists
- Neurotransmitter Agents
- Somatostatin
- Octreotide
|
Topics |
- Aged
- Esophageal and Gastric Varices
(drug therapy)
- Female
- Gastrointestinal Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
(drug therapy)
- Hormone Antagonists
(therapeutic use)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neurotransmitter Agents
(therapeutic use)
- Octreotide
(therapeutic use)
- Somatostatin
(therapeutic use)
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