Abstract |
A survey of UK patients receiving the drug diazoxide, revealed 40 patients with insulinoma on this treatment. Mean age (+/- SD) was 67 +/- 18 years, and 74% were female. Duration of treatment was 7 +/- 6 years (range 1-22). Most (55%) patients were treated with diazoxide because of tumour non-localisation (including failed previous surgery). Metastatic disease (20%) and poor surgical risk (10%) were other indications. Side-effects (notably fluid retention and hirsutism) were common (47%) but not troublesome. Treatment was highly effective--59% were symptom free and 38% had only occasional symptoms. Only one patient had frequent hypoglycaemia despite treatment. We conclude that diazoxide is effective in the management of insulinoma. Side-effects are common but not problematic. Treatment should be considered for all patients not cured by surgery, or unsuitable for surgical treatment.
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Authors | G V Gill, O Rauf, I A MacFarlane |
Journal | Postgraduate medical journal
(Postgrad Med J)
Vol. 73
Issue 864
Pg. 640-1
(Oct 1997)
ISSN: 0032-5473 [Print] England |
PMID | 9497974
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Antihypertensive Agents
- Diazoxide
|
Topics |
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Antihypertensive Agents
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Diazoxide
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Female
- Health Care Surveys
- Humans
- Insulinoma
(drug therapy, secondary)
- Kidney Diseases
(etiology)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neoplasms, Unknown Primary
(drug therapy)
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