[Changes in indicators of external and internal secretion of the pancreas during treatment of chronic pancreatitis of alcoholic etiology with somatostatin analogs].
AIM: To study somatostatin (SS) content in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and effects of sandostatin (a synthetic analogue of SS) on endo- and exocrine pancreatic functions in CP patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: SS plasma levels were measured by radioimmunoassay in basal conditions in 32 CP patients. Sandostatin treatment was given to 20 patients with CP of alcohol etiology (twice a day subcutaneously for 5 days). In the course of the treatment the following indices were measured: serum trypsin, amilase, lipase, alpha 2-macroglobulin, general antitryptic activity, blood immunoreactive insulin in basal conditions and after intravenous injection of glucose. RESULTS: SS levels in peripheral blood were elevated in patients with complicated alcoholic CP. Sandostatin in CP used for 5 days had no significant impact on insulin secretion, levels of pancreatic enzymes, inhibiting system of blood. 90% patients with alcoholic CP experienced relief of pain which may relate to suppression of stimulated secretion of gastrointestinal hormones as well as to a favourable action of sandostatin on stabilization of membranes of acinar cells. CONCLUSION: Sandostatin administration in CP patients is justified and is especially recommended in the complicated course.