Prophylactic effect of somatostatin on post-ERCP pancreatitis: a randomized controlled trial

Effectiveness of the pharmacological therapy to prevent post ERCP acute pancreatitis: a network meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To determine the effectiveness of the different pharmacological agents in preventing post-ERCP acute pancreatitis.

METHODS

We included clinical trials of pharmacological interventions for prophylaxis of acute post-ERCP pancreatitis. The event evaluated was acute pancreatitis. We conducted a search strategy in MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to nowadays. We reported the information in terms of relative risks (RR) with a 95% confidence interval. We assessed the heterogeneity using the I2 test.

RESULTS

We included 84 studies for analysis (30,463 patients). The mean age was 59.3 years (SD ± 7.01). Heterogeneity between studies was low (I2 = 34.4%) with no inconsistencies (p = 0.2567). Post ERCP pancreatitis was less in prophylaxis with NSAIDs (RR 0.65 95% CI [0.52 to 0.80]), aggressive hydration with Lactate Ringer (RR 0.32 95% CI [0.12-0.86]), NSAIDs + isosorbide dinitrate (RR 0.28 95% CI [0.11-0.71]) and somatostatin and analogues (RR 0.54 [0.43 to 0.68]) compared with placebo.

CONCLUSIONS

NSAIDs, the Combination of NSAIDs + isosorbide dinitrate, somatostatin and analogues, and aggressive hydration with lactate ringer are pharmacological strategies that can prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis when compared to placebo. More clinical trials are required to determine the effectiveness of these drugs.

Incidence, severity, and mortality of post-ERCP pancreatitis: an updated systematic review and meta-analysis of 145 randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The incidence, severity, and mortality of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) largely remain unknown with changing trends in ERCP use, indication, and techniques. We sought to determine the incidence, severity, and mortality of PEP in consecutive and high-risk patients based on a systemic review and meta-analysis of patients in placebo and no-stent arms of randomized control trials (RCTs).

METHODS

The MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were searched from the inception of each database to June 2022 to identify full-text RCTs evaluating PEP prophylaxes. The incidence, severity, and mortality of PEP from the placebo or no-stent arms of RCTs were recorded for consecutive and high-risk patients. A random-effects meta-analysis for a proportions model was used to calculate PEP incidence, severity, and mortality.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-five RCTs were found with 19,038 patients in the placebo or no-stent arms. The overall cumulative incidence of PEP was 10.2% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9.3-11.3), predominantly among the academic centers conducting such RCTs. The cumulative incidences of severe PEP and mortality were .5% (95% CI, .3-.7) and .2% (95% CI, .08-.3), respectively, across 91 RCTs with 14,441 patients. The cumulative incidences of PEP and severe PEP were 14.1% (95% CI, 11.5-17.2) and .8% (95% CI, .4-1.6), respectively, with a mortality rate of .2% (95% CI, 0-.3) across 35 RCTs with 3733 patients at high risk of PEP. The overall trend for the incidence of PEP among patients randomized to placebo or no-stent arms of RCTs has remained unchanged from 1977 to 2022 (P = .48).

CONCLUSIONS

The overall incidence of PEP is 10.2% but is 14.1% among high-risk patients based on this systematic review of placebo or no-stent arms of 145 RCTs; this rate has not changed between 1977 and 2022. Severe PEP and mortality from PEP are relatively uncommon.

Effect of somatostatin on prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To perform a meta-analysis of all available studies on the effect of prophylactic somatostatin administration on prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) and post-ERCP hyperamylasemia (PEHA).

METHODS

Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, and the Science Citation Index were searched to retrieve relevant trials. Randomized, placebo-controlled trials in adult patients that compared somatostatin versus placebo in prevention of PEP were included. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model to assess the ratios of PEP, PEHA and post-ERCP abdominal pain.

RESULTS

Total ratio of PEP of somatostatin group was significantly lower than that of placebo group. For the short-term injection or bolus injection there were no heterogeneity and no significance between the ratio of PEP of somatostatin group and placebo group. For the long-term injection subgroup there was heterogeneity, and the ratio of PEP of somatostatin group was significantly lower than that of placebo group. There was no significance between the ratio of PEP of somatostatin group and placebo group for the low-risk PEP subgroup, while the ratio of PEP of somatostatin group was significantly lower than that of placebo group for the high-risk PEP subgroup. The ratio of PEP of somatostatin group was significantly lower than that of placebo group for the long-term injection high-risk PEP subgroup. There was no significance between the ratio of PEHA of somatostatin group and placebo group for the short-term injection subgroup or bolus injection subgroup. The ratio of PEHA of somatostatin group was significantly lower than that of placebo group for the long-term injection subgroup. The total ratio of post-ERCP abdominal pain of somatostatin group was significantly lower than that of placebo group. The funnel plot of incidence of PEP and PEHA showed no asymmetry with a negative slope.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic use of long-term injection of somatostatin can significantly reduce the incidence of PEP, PEHA and post-ERCP abdominal pain for the high-risk PEP patients, while it is not necessary to be used for the low-risk PEP patients.

Role of Somatostatin in Preventing Post-endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Pancreatitis: An Update Meta-analysis

Background: Acute pancreatitis is the most common serious complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Although, somatostatin (SOM) has been used in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), the efficacy of SOM remains inconsistent.

Methods: Electronic databases, including PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, The Cochrane Library), and the Science Citation Index were searched to retrieve relevant studies. Details of the study population, including patients’ characteristics, sample size, regimen of drug administration and incidence of PEP, hyperamylasemia and abdominal pain were extracted by two investigators. Data were analyzed with Review Manager 5.3 software.

Results: Eleven randomized controlled trials, enrolling a total of 4192 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. After data were pooled, we observed decreased incidence of ERCP-induced outcomes, such as PEP (RR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.40, 0.98; P = 0.04) and hyperamylasemia (RR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.66, 0.84; P < 0.001) in patients treated with SOM than those with placebo. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity found decreased incidence of PEP and hyperamylasemia in Asia only. Subgroup analysis by treatment schedule and dosage revealed decreased incidence of PEP and hyperamylasemia when SOM were treated with a single bolus or long-term infusion, or at dose above 3000 μg. We did not observed efficacy of SOM on abdominal pain in pooled or subgroup analysis.

Conclusion: This meta-analysis of patients undergoing ERCP showed reduced incidence of PEP and hyperamylasemia when SOM was administrated with single bolus, long-term infusion, or high dosage. More data are needed to confirm our findings.

Endoscopic and pharmacological treatment for prophylaxis against postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: a meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (post-ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) is the most common complication following ERCP. We carried out a systematic review and meta-analysis of the global literature on PEP prevention to provide clinical guidance and a framework for future research in this important field.

METHODS

PubMed, Embase, Science Citation Index, Ovid, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register were searched by two independent reviewers to identify full-length, prospective, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up until March 2016 investigating the use of pancreatic duct stents and pharmacological agents to prevent PEP.

RESULTS

Twelve RCTs comparing the risk of PEP after pancreatic duct stent placement (1369 patients) and 30 RCTs comparing pharmacological agents over placebo (10251 patients) fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were selected for final review and analysis. Meta-analysis showed that prophylactic pancreatic stents significantly decreased the odds of post-ERCP pancreatitis [odds ratio (OR), 0.28; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.18-0.42]. Significant OR reduction of PEP was also observed in relation to rectal administration of diclofenac (OR, 0.24; 95% CI, 0.12-0.48) and rectal administration of indometacin (OR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.44-0.79) compared with placebo. Subgroup analysis showed a significant reduction with bolus-administered somatostatin (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.11-0.49). Subgroup analysis showed a significant reduction with bolus-administered somatostatin (OR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.11-0.49).

CONCLUSION

Pancreatic stent placement, rectal diclofenac, and bolus administration of somatostatin appear to be most effective in preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Prophylactic effect of somatostatin in preventing Post-ERCP pancreatitis: an updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Somatostatin is regarded as a prophylactic agent on post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP), but studies are still controversial.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Electronic databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, and the Science Citation Index, were searched to retrieve relevant trials. In addition, meeting abstracts and the reference lists of retrieved articles were reviewed for further relevant studies.

RESULTS

Eleven randomized controlled trials (RCTs), enrolling a total of 2869 patients, were included in the meta-analysis. After data were pooled from somatostatin trials, PEP occurred in 8.36% of controls versus 5.62% of the treated group, with a slight significance [relative risk (RR) =0.58, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.35-0.98, P = 0.04]. The funnel plot showed no asymmetry with a negative slope (P = 0.108). The meta-analysis produced negative results for short-term infusion of somatostatin (RR = 1.40, 95% CI 0.93-2.12, P = 0.11), whereas a bolus or long-term injection of the drug proved effective (RR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.13-0.47,P < 0.0001; RR = 0.44, 95% CI 0.27-0.71,P = 0.0008). Postprocedure hyperamylasemia and pain was also observed in the meta-analysis, the pooled RR was significant for reduced risk of postprocedure hyperamylasemia (RR = 0.72, 95%CI 0.63 to 0.81,P < 0.00001), but not for the pain (RR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.08,P= 0.10).

CONCLUSION

The current meta-analysis on the prophylactic use of somatostatin in patients undergoing ERCP documents a lack of benefit when given as short-term infusion, but showed an advantage of a single bolus or long-term injection. The beneficial effect of somatostatin, in reducing the incidence of postprocedural hyperamylasemia seems of marginal clinical significance. However, more new confirmatory data are needed to settle residual doubts.

Incidence, severity, and mortality of post-ERCP pancreatitis: a systematic review by using randomized, controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Data regarding the incidence and severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) are primarily from nonrandomized studies.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence, severity, and mortality of PEP from a systematic review of the placebo or no-stent arms of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs).

DESIGN

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched to identify RCTs evaluating the efficacy of drugs and/or pancreatic stents to prevent PEP.

SETTING

Systematic review of patients enrolled in RCTs evaluating agents for PEP prophylaxis.

PATIENTS

Patients in the placebo or no-stent arms of the RCTs

INTERVENTION

ERCP.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Incidence, severity, and mortality of PEP.

RESULTS

There were 108 RCTs with 13,296 patients in the placebo or no-stent arms. Overall, the PEP incidence was 9.7% and the mortality rate was 0.7%. Severity of PEP was reported for 8857 patients: 5.7%, 2.6%, and 0.5% of cases were mild, moderate, and severe, respectively. The incidence of PEP in 2345 high-risk patients was 14.7% and the severity of PEP was mild, moderate, and severe in 8.6%, 3.9%, and 0.8%, respectively, with a 0.2% mortality rate. The incidence of PEP was 13% in North American RCTs compared with 8.4% in European and 9.9% in Asian RCTs. ERCPs conducted before and after 2000 had a PEP incidence of 7.7% and 10%, respectively.

LIMITATIONS

Difference in PEP risk among patients in the included RCTs.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of PEP and severe PEP is similar in high-risk patients and the overall cohort. Discrepancies in the incidence of PEP across geographic regions require further study.

Somatostatin administration prior to ERCP is effective in reducing the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis in high-risk patients

Somatostatin has been extensively studied for the prophylaxis of pancreatitis following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, the results remain controversial. The present retrospective cohort study aimed to investigate the efficacy of pre- and post-ERCP somatostatin administration in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). All ERCP procedures performed at one hospital between January 2009 and December 2012 were reviewed. They were divided into three groups based on somatostatin administration: pre-ERCP som group (somatostatin administration: 0.25 mg/h for 24 h, starting 1 h prior to ERCP), post-ERCP som group (somatostatin administration: 0.25 mg/h for 24 h, starting immediately following ERCP), and control group (no somatostatin administration). Out of a total of 304 cases, 81 received pre-ERCP somatostatin; 126 received post-ERCP somatostatin and 97 were not administered somatostatin. Pre-ERCP somatostatin was effective in reducing the incidence of PEP compared with that in the control group (4.9 vs. 16.5%; P=0.017). This benefit was significant in high-risk patients (8.9 vs. 26.0%; P=0.035), but not in low-risk patients (0 vs. 6.4%; P=0.254). Post-ERCP somatostatin was not effective in preventing PEP in high- or low-risk patients. In conclusion, pre-ERCP somatostatin may be effective in reducing the risk of PEP in high-risk patients, but not in low-risk patients. Post-ERCP somatostatin did not reveal a benefit in high- or low-risk patients. However, large randomized controlled trials are required to further confirm these findings.

Somatostatin inhibits the production of interferon-γ by intestinal epithelial cells during intestinal ischemia-reperfusion in macaques

BACKGROUND

Our previous study found that somatostatin (SST) inhibited the intestinal inflammatory injury in a macaque model of intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IIR); however, the underlying mechanism was unclear.

AIMS

The present study was aimed to investigate the effects of SST on IFN-γ and the systemic inflammatory response after IIR.

METHODS

Fifteen macaques were randomly divided into controls, IIR and SST+ IIR groups. ELISA was performed to measure IFN-γ in ileum tissues, ileac epithelial cells (IECs) and ileal lymphocytes, as well as the systemic levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ in the peripheral circulation and the portal vein. HE staining was performed to evaluate morphological changes in vital organs. Immunohistochemistry was performed to identify the distribution of IFN-γ, CD4, CD8 and CD57 in the ileum.

RESULTS

After IIR, IFN-γ level was significantly increased in the IECs. IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α were significantly increased in both the portal vein and the peripheral circulation; in contrast, IFN-γ level was increased in the portal vein alone. Prophylactic SST reversed the change in IFN-γ in the IECs and portal vein. SST led to an alleviation of the pathological changes in systemic vital organs. The distribution of CD4(+), CD57(+) and CD8(+) cells was not positively correlated with the secretion of IFN-γ.

CONCLUSION

IECs are the main source of IFN-γ production after IIR. SST may indirectly lead to mast cell deactivation through the inhibition of IFN-γ production by IECs. Pretreatment with SST may be beneficial for preventing a massive systemic inflammatory response in vital organs after IIR.

One-step Laparoscopic and Endoscopic Treatment of Gallbladder and Common Bile Duct Stones: Our Experience of the Last 9 Years in a Retrospective Study

The optimal timing and best method for removal of common bile duct stones (CBDS) associated with gallbladder stones (GBS) is still controversial. The aim of this study is to investigate the outcomes of a single-step procedure combining laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC), intra-operative cholangiography (IOC), and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Between January 2003 and January 2012, 1972 patients underwent cholecystectomy at our hospital. Of those, 162 patients (8.2%; male/female 72/90) presented with GBS and suspected CBDS. We treated 54 cases (Group 1) with ERCP and LC within 48 to 72 hours. In 108 patients (Group 2) we performed LC with IOC and, if positive, was associated with IO-ERCP and sphincterotomy. In Group 1, a preoperative ERCP and LC were completed in 50 patients (30%). In four cases (2%), an ERCP and endobiliary stents were performed without cholecystectomy and then patients were discharged because of the severity of clinical conditions and advanced American Society of Anesthesiologists score (III to IV). Two months later a preoperative ERCP and removal of biliary stents were performed followed by LC 48 to 72 hours later. In Group 2, the IOC was performed in all cases and CBDS were extracted in 94 patients (87%). In two cases, the laparoscopic choledochotomy was necessary to remove large stones. In another two cases, an open choledochotomy was performed to remove safely the stones with T-tube drainage. In three cases, conversion was necessary to safely complete the procedure. The mean operative time was 95 minutes (range, 45 to 150 minutes) in Group 1 and 130 minutes (range, 50 to 300 minutes) in Group 2. The mean hospital stay was 6.5 days (range, 4 to 21 days) in Group 1 and 4.7 days (range, 3 to 14 days) in Group 2. Five cases (two in Group 2 and three in Group 1) presented with CBDS at 12 to 18 months after surgery. They were treated successfully with a second ERCP. There was no perioperative mortality. Our experience suggests that when clinically and technically feasible, a single-stage approach combining LC, IOC, and ERCP to the patients diagnosed with chole-choledocholithiasis is indicated. The IO-ERCP with CBDS extraction is a safe and effective method with low risk of postoperative pancreatitis. One-step treatment is more comfortable for the patient and also reduces the mean hospital stay.

Role of endoscopic retrograde pancreatography for early detection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma concomitant with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the pancreas

BACKGROUND

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the pancreas is often found with distinct pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in the same pancreas. The aim of this study was to clarify whether endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) would be useful for the early detection of concomitant PDACs in patients with IPMNs.

METHODS

Medical records of 179 patients who were histologically confirmed to have IPMNs after resection between 1987 and 2011 were reviewed. The patients having concomitant PDACs were selected, and the diagnostic abilities to detect concomitant PDACs of computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), and ERP were compared between early (stages 0-I according to Japanese General Rules for Pancreatic Cancer) and advanced (stages II-IV) PDACs.

RESULTS

A total of 23 PDACs developed synchronously or metachronously in 20 patients, and the prevalence of PDACs concomitant with IPMNs was 11.2 % (20/179). Sensitivities of CT (16 vs. 87 %), MRI (29 vs. 93 %), and EUS (29 vs. 92 %) in the early group were significantly lower than those in the advanced group (p < 0.01). On the other hand, the sensitivity of ERP in the early group was as high as that in the advanced group (86 vs. 82 %, respectively, p > 0.99). Among 7 early PDACs, 3 were diagnosed only by ERP.

CONCLUSIONS

ERP has an important role in the early diagnosis of distinct PDACs in patients with IPMNs. Further investigation is necessary to clarify the indication and the timing of ERP during management of IPMNs in term of early detection of concomitant PDACs.

Losartan to prevent hyperenzymemia after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopan-creatography: A randomized clinical trial

AIM: To study if the angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) losartan counteracts pancreatic hyperenzymemia as measured 24 h after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

METHODS: A triple-blind and placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial was performed at two Swedish hospitals in 2006-2008. Patients over 18 years of age undergoing ERCP, excluding those with current pancreatitis, current use of ARB, and severe disease, such as sepsis, liver and renal failure. One oral dose of 50 mg losartan or placebo was given one hour before ERCP. The relative risk of hyperenzymemia 24 h after ERCP was estimated using multivariable logistic regression, and expressed as odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), including adjustment for potential remaining confounding.

RESULTS: Among 76 participating patients, 38 were randomized to the losartan and the placebo group, respectively. The incidence rates of hyperenzymemia and acute pancreatitis among all 76 participating patients were 21% and 12%, respectively. Hyperenzymemia was detected in 9 and 7 patients in the losartan and placebo group, respectively. There were no major differences between the comparison groups regarding cannulation difficulty, findings, or proportion of patients requiring drainage of the bile ducts. There were, however, more pancreatic duct injections, a greater extent of pancreatography, and more biliary sphincterotomies in the losartan group than in the placebo group. Losartan was not associated with risk of hyperenzymemia compared to the placebo group after multi-varible logistic regression analysis (odds ratio 1.6, 95%CI 0.3-7.8).

CONCLUSION: In this randomized trial 50 mg losartan given orally had no prophylactic effect on development of hyperenzymemia after ERCP.

[Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at a regional hospital of the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, 2002-2011: risk factors and complications]

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a valuable study in the approach to diseases of the biliary and pancreatic ducts. It was first used for diagnostic purposes, but today its use is mainly therapeutic. It can present a variety of complications.

AIMS

To determine the frequency of complications and the risk factors associated with ERCP.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A prolective study was carried out to analyze ERCP that was performed on 1.145 patients over a 10-year period of time (2.002-2.011). Complications were determined at the time of the procedure, through the personal communication of relatives, and/or when the patient was admitted to the emergency room. Follow-up was carried out for one month after ERCP in the out-patient service of the Department of Gastroenterology. Complications were evaluated with a multiple logistic regression model.

RESULTS

The sample included 1.145 patients. Mean age was 55,3 years (SD=18,7; CI 95%: 54,2-56,3). Women made up 60,5% (n=693) of the study participants. Therapeutic endoscopy was performed in 51,0% of the total number of procedures. Complications presented in 2,1% (n=24) of the patients; the most frequent was hemorrhage (n=14, 1,2%), followed by acute pancreatitis (n=6, 0,5%), respiratory distress (n=3, 0,3%), and cholangitis (n=1, 0,1%). There was a 1,4 times higher complication risk in patients that underwent precut/sphincterotomy, adjusted by age (CI 95%: OR 1,02-5,43; p=0,045).

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows a complication frequency similar to that published by other authors. However, this figure could be further reduced if ERCP were performed only for therapeutic purposes by highly qualified endoscopy physicians.

Is high-dose nafamostat mesilate effective for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis, especially in high-risk patients?

OBJECTIVE

Infusion of the protease inhibitor nafamostat mesilate (20 mg) effectively prevents post-ERCP pancreatitis, but only in low-risk groups. This study was performed to evaluate the use of high-dose nafamostat mesilate (50 mg) for prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), especially in high-risk groups.

METHODS

A total of 608 patients who underwent ERCP were included; 13 patients were excluded. Patients were divided into 3 groups: controls (group A), infusion with 20 mg of nafamostat mesilate (group B), or infusion with 50 mg of nafamostat mesilate (group C). The incidence of PEP was analyzed.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of acute pancreatitis was 7.4% (44/595). There was a significant difference in the incidence of PEP with or without nafamostat mesilate (13.0% vs 4.0% and 5.1%, respectively; P < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis showed that in low-risk patients, the rate of PEP was significantly different with nafamostat (11.9% vs 2.7% and 4.0%, respectively; P = 0.007). In high-risk patients, the rate of PEP was not significantly different among treatment groups (14.6% vs 5.9% vs 6.9%, respectively; P = 0.108).

CONCLUSIONS

Nafamostat mesilate prophylaxis (20 or 50 mg) is effective in preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis. However, the preventive effect of high-dose nafamostat mesilate (50 mg) is not significant in high-risk patients.

Intravenous synthetic secretin reduces the incidence of pancreatitis induced by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate whether synthetic secretin is effective in reducing post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis.

METHODS

This is a single academic medical center, prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial using secretin (dose of 16 μg) administered intravenously immediately before ERCP. Patients were evaluated for the primary outcome of post-ERCP pancreatitis as diagnosed by a single investigator.

RESULTS

A total of 1100 patients were screened, of whom 869 were randomly assigned to receive secretin (n = 426) or placebo (n = 443) before ERCP and were evaluated after the procedure for efficacy of secretin. The incidence of pancreatitis in the secretin group compared with the placebo group was 36 (8.7%) of 413 patients versus 65 (15.1%) of 431 patients, respectively, P = 0.004. In the subgroup analysis, secretin was highly protective against post-ERCP pancreatitis for patients undergoing biliary sphincterotomy (6/129 vs 32/142, P < 0.001), patients undergoing cannulation of the common bile duct (26/339 vs 56/342, P < 0.001), and patients not undergoing pancreatic sphincterotomy (26/388 vs 57/403, P = 0.001). Analysis of the interaction between these groups reveals that the primary effect of secretin prophylaxis was prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients undergoing biliary sphincterotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Synthetic secretin reduces the risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis, particularly in patients in undergoing biliary sphincterotomy.

Nafamostat mesilate for prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Pancreatitis is the most common major complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Efforts have been made to identify pharmacologic agents capable of reducing its incidence and severity. The aim of this trial was to determine whether prophylactic nafamostat mesilate, a synthetic protease inhibitor, would reduce the frequency and severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

METHODS

A total of 286 patients were randomized to receive either intravenous nafamostat mesilate or placebo 60 minutes before ERCP and for 6 hours after ERCP. A database was prospectively collected by a defined protocol. Standardized criteria were used to diagnose and grade the severity of pancreatitis.

RESULTS

The groups were similar with regard to patient demographics and to patient and procedure risk factors for pancreatitis. The overall incidence of pancreatitis was 5.9%. It occurred in 4 (2.8%) of 143 patients in the nafamostat group and in 13 (9.1%) of 143 patients in the control group (P = 0.03). Pancreatitis was graded mild in 2.1% and moderate in 0.7% of the nafamostat group and mild in 7.0% and moderate in 2.1% of the control group. There was no significant difference between the groups in the severity of pancreatitis.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic intravenous nafamostat mesilate reduces the frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Meta-analysis: somatostatin or its long-acting analogue, octreotide, for prophylaxis against post-ERCP pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis is a most serious complication following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Previous meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials have shown conflicting results regarding the preventive efficacy of somatostatin or octreotide for this complication. The aim of this study was to resolve these conflicts.

METHODS

A standardized comprehensive literature search was performed through September 2009. Depending on heterogeneity of outcomes, either random-effects model (REM) or fixed-effects model (FEM) was applied to calculate pooled estimates of drug efficacy.

RESULTS

Seventeen studies, including 3818 participants, met the inclusion criteria. Analysis of somatostatin and octreotide trials showed that these drugs prevented post-ERCP pancreatitis (pooled risk ratio [95% confidence interval; CI], 0.63 [0.42-0.96] in REM. Pooled risk ratios [95% CI] of each subgroup were: 0.52 [0.30-0.90] for somatostatin in REM; 0.30 [0.17-0.53] for high-dose somatostatin infused over 12 h in FEM; 0.27 [0.13-0.52] for bolus somatostatin in FEM; 0.35 [0.15-0.82] for pancreatic duct (PD) injection with somatostatin in FEM; 0.33 [0.16-0.70] for biliary sphincterotomy (BS) with somatostatin in FEM; 0.53 [0.24-1.17] for intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis with somatostatin in REM; 0.42 [0.20-0.90] for high-dose octreotide in FEM; 0.61 [0.27-1.35] for PD injection with octreotide in FEM; 0.64 [0.32-1.29] for BS with octreotide in FEM; and 0.83 [0.34-2.03] for ITT analysis with octreotide in REM.

CONCLUSIONS

Somatostatin and high-dose octreotide may prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis. The preventive efficacy of somatostatin is more prominent in cases of PD injection, or BS, or high-dose administration over 12 h, or bolus injection.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography associated pancreatitis: A 15-year review

The aim of this article is to review the literature regarding post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis. We searched for and evaluated all articles describing the diagnosis, epidemiology, pathophysiology, morbidity, mortality and prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) in adult patients using the PubMed database. Search terms included endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, pancreatitis, ampulla of vater, endoscopic sphincterotomy, balloon dilatation, cholangiography, adverse events, standards and utilization. We limited our review of articles to those published between January 1, 1994 and August 15, 2009 regarding human adults and written in the English language. Publications from the reference sections were reviewed and included if they were salient and fell into the time period of interest. Between the dates queried, seventeen large (> 500 patients) prospective and four large retrospective trials were conducted. PEP occurred in 1%-15% in the prospective trials and in 1%-4% in the retrospective trials. PEP was also reduced with pancreatic duct stent placement and outcomes were improved with endoscopic sphincterotomy compared to balloon sphincter dilation in the setting of choledocholithiasis. Approximately 34 pharmacologic agents have been evaluated for the prevention of PEP over the last fifteen years in 63 trials. Although 22 of 63 trials published during our period of review suggested a reduction in PEP, no pharmacologic therapy has been widely accepted in clinical use in decreasing the development of PEP. In conclusion, PEP is a well-recognized complication of ERCP. Medical treatment for prevention has been disappointing. Proper patient selection and pancreatic duct stenting have been shown to reduce the complication rate in randomized clinical trials.

Post-ERCP pancreatitis

Pancreatitis remains the most common severe complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Detailed information about the findings of previous studies concerning post-ERCP pancreatitis has not been utilized sufficiently. The purpose of the present article was to present guidelines for the diagnostic criteria of post-ERCP pancreatitis, and its incidence, risk factors, and prophylactic procedures that are supported by evidence. To achieve this purpose, a critical examination was made of the articles on post-ERCP pancreatitis, based on the data obtained by research studies published up to 2009. At present, there are no standardized diagnostic criteria for post-ERCP pancreatitis. It is appropriate that post-ERCP pancreatitis is defined as acute pancreatitis that has developed following ERCP, and its diagnosis and severity assessment should be made according to the diagnostic criteria and severity assessment of the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The incidence of acute pancreatitis associated with diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP is 0.4-1.5 and 1.6-5.4%, respectively. Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation is associated with a high risk of acute pancreatitis compared with endoscopic sphincterotomy. It was made clear that important risk factors include dysfunction of the Oddi sphincter, being of the female sex, past history of post-ERCP pancreatitis, and performance of pancreaticography. Temporary prophylactic placement of pancreatic stents in the high-risk group is useful for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis [odds ratio (OR) 3.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.6-6.4, number needed to treat (NNT) 10]. Use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is associated with a reduction in the development of post-ERCP pancreatitis (OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.32-0.65). Single rectal administration of NSAIDs is useful for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis [relative risk (RR) 0.36, 95% CI 0.22-0.60, NNT 15] and decreases the development of pancreatitis in both the low-risk group (RR 0.29, 95% CI 0.12-0.71) and the high-risk group (RR 0.40, 95% CI 0.23-0.72) of post-ERCP pancreatitis. As for somatostatin, a bolus injection may be most useful compared with short- or long-term infusion (OR 0.271, 95% CI 0.138-0.536, risk difference 8.2%, 95% CI 4.4-12.0%). The usefulness of gabexate mesilate was not apparent in any of the following conditions: acute pancreatitis (control 5.7 vs. 4.8% for gabexate mesilate), hyperamylasemia (40.6 vs. 36.9%), and abdominal pain (1.7 vs. 8.9%). Formulation of diagnostic criteria for post-ERCP pancreatitis is needed. Temporary prophylactic placement of pancreatic stents in the high-risk group offers the most promise as a means of preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis. As for pharmacological attempts, there are high expectations concerning NSAIDs because they are excellent in terms of cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and safety. There was no evidence of effective prophylaxis with the use of protease inhibitors, especially gabexate mesilate.

Single-step treatment of gall bladder and bile duct stones: a combined endoscopic-laparoscopic technique

INTRODUCTION

The advent of endoscopic techniques changed surgery in many regards. In the management of cholelithiasis; laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is today the treatment of choice. This has created a dilemma in the management of choledocholithiasis. Today a number of options exist, including endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) before LC in patients with suspected common bile duct (CBD) stones, laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) by the transcystic approach or laparoscopic choledocotomy, open CBD exploration and postoperative ERCP. A major concern regarding both pre- and postoperative extraction of CBD stones (CBDS) by the ERCP is the risk of development of pancreatitis, also more than 10% of the preoperative ERCP is normal. More recently the alternative technique of combined LC with intraoperative ERCP and ES is emerging in an attempt to manage cholecysto-choledocholithiasis in a single-step procedure.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this work was to assess the treatment of common bile duct stones (CBDS) in a one-stage operation by laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and intraoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (LC+IO-ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study was carried out on 45 patients with gall bladder stones and with suspected or confirmed CBDS at the Gastrointestinal Surgery Unit in the Main Alexandria University Hospital. They were treated by a single-step procedure combining LC and IO-ERCP. Laparoscopic intraoperative cholangiography (IOC) was carried out to confirm the presence of CBDS. A soft-tipped guide-wire was passed through the cystic duct and papilla into the duodenum. A papillotome was inserted endoscopically over the guide-wire. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed and the stones were extracted with a retrieval balloon or with a Dormia basket. The surgical operating time, surgical success rate, postoperative complications, retained CBDS, and postoperative length of hospital stay were assessed.

RESULTS

There were 30 females and 15 males. Their mean age was 45.07+11.3 years (ranging from 27 to 65 years). Twenty-seven patients had confirmed CBDS by preoperative ultrasound (US) and/or MRCP. Eighteen patients were suspected for CBDS on clinical, laboratory and/or US basis. Conversion to open cholecystectomy occurred in one case due to severe adhesions at the Calot's triangle. IOC revealed the presence of CBDS in 36 patients. IO-ERCP with ES was performed successfully in 33 patients and stones were extracted endoscopically. Passage of the guide-wire through the papilla failed in three patients. Cholecystectomy was completed laparoscopically in 44 patients. The mean operative time was 119+14.4 min (ranging from 100 to 150 min). Minor postoperative complications occurred in 15 patients. No postoperative complications related to the procedure, i.e., pancreatitis, bleeding, perforation, were encountered. Patients regained their bowel motion on the next day and were discharged after a mean hospital stay of 2.55+0.89 days. None of the patients presented on the postoperative follow-up with symptoms, signs, laboratory or radiological evidence of retained CBDS. The mean duration of the postoperative follow-up was 9+4.07 months (ranging from 3 to 14 months).

CONCLUSION

The current study suggests that LC+IO-ERCP for the management of cholecysto-choledocholithiasis is a safe and aneffective technique with a low rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis. It offers another alternative for surgeons especially those who do not practice LCBDE to treat patients in a single setting. However, additional studies with larger patient populations are needed keeping in mind that the limiting characteristic is the proximity and availability of the endoscopic settings.

Somatostatin limits intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury in macaques via suppression of TLR4-NF-kappaB cytokine pathway

OBJECTIVE

Intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (IIR)-induced gut injury remains a challenge for critically ill patients despite the oxidative stress theory that has been elaborated. This study aimed to test whether Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is involved in gut injury during IIR and whether somatostatin (SST) affects TLR4-nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) cytokine pathway in the intestinal mucosa of macaques.

DESIGN

Fifteen macaques were randomized into control, IIR, and SST + IIR groups. Pieces of isolated ileal epithelium from each animal were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interferon-gamma, or SST. Expression of TLR4 and NF-kappaBp65 was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining, Western blot analysis and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Cytokine levels were measured by ELISA. Radioimmunoassay was used to determine of SST levels.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Significant overexpression (IIR vs control) of ileal TLR4 (0.17 +/- 0.03 vs 0.05 +/- 0.02), NF-kappaBp65 (0.55 +/- 0.11 vs 0.15 +/- 0.05), and TNF-alpha (213.2 +/- 29.2 vs 56.0 +/- 10.04) after IIR was greatly decreased (p < 0.05) by prophylactic use of SST (TLR4: 0.06 +/- 0.02; NF-kappaBp65: 0.26 +/- 0.09; TNF-alpha: 97.1 +/- 32.3) in vivo. TLR4 expression in the ileal epithelium treated with LPS and SST (1,330 +/- 93) was significantly lower than that in the ileal epithelium treated with LPS alone (2,088 +/- 126) in vitro. SST levels in plasma (3.67 +/- 0.41 ng/ml) and ileal mucosa (1,402.3 +/- 160 ng/mg protein) of the IIR group were significantly lower than those (6.09 +/- 1.29 ng/ml, 2,234. 8 +/- 301.8 ng/mg protein) in the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Endogenous SST is a crucial inhibitor of massive inflammatory injury in the intestinal mucosa via direct suppression of the TLR4-NF-kappaB cytokine pathway induced by LPS in ileal epithelium. IIR attacks caused shortages of endogenous SST in the plasma and intestinal mucosa of macaques in this study. Therefore, preventive supplements of SST may limit intestinal injury of macaques by IIR.

Nafamostat mesylate in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis and risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Pancreatitis is a major complication of ERCP.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether nafamostat mesylate prophylaxis decreases the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP).

DESIGN

A single-center, randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial.

SETTING

A large tertiary-referral center.

PATIENTS

From January 2005 to December 2007, a total of 704 patients who underwent ERCP were analyzed.

INTERVENTION

Patients received continuous infusion of 500 mL of 5% dextrose solution with 20 mg of nafamostat mesylate (354 patients) or without 20 mg of nafamostat mesylate (350 patients). Serum amylase and lipase levels were checked before ERCP, 4 and 24 hours after ERCP, and when clinically indicated.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The incidence of PEP and risk factors associated with the development of PEP.

RESULTS

The incidence of acute pancreatitis was 5.4%. There was a significant difference in the incidence of PEP between the nafamostat mesylate and control groups (3.3% vs 7.4%, respectively; P = .018). Univariate analysis identified history of acute pancreatitis (P < .001), difficult cannulation (P = .023), periampullary diverticulum (P = .004), age younger than 40 years (P = .009), and >/=5 pancreatic-duct contrast injections (odds ratio [OR] 2.736, P = .012) as statistically significant risk factors.

LIMITATIONS

A single-center study.

CONCLUSIONS

Nafamostat mesylate prophylaxis is partially effective in preventing post-ERCP pancreatitis. Independent risk factors for PEP are a history of acute pancreatitis and multiple pancreatic-duct contrast injections.

Evaluation of recombinant platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase for reducing the incidence and severity of post-ERCP acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Pancreatitis is the most common major complication of diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP. Platelet-activating factor (PAF) has been implicated in the pathophysiologic events associated with acute pancreatitis. Animal and human studies suggested that recombinant PAF acetylhydrolase (rPAF-AH) might ameliorate the severity of acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to determine whether prophylactic rPAF-AH administration reduces the frequency or severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis in high-risk patients.

DESIGN

Randomized, multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients received rPAF-AH at a dose of either 1 or 5 mg/kg or placebo. Patients were administered a single intravenous infusion over 10 minutes of study drug or placebo <1 hour before ERCP.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Standardized criteria were used to diagnose and grade the severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Adverse events were prospectively recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 600 patients were enrolled. There were no statistically significant differences among the treatment groups with respect to patient demographics, ERCP indications, and patient and procedure risk factors for post-ERCP pancreatitis with the following exceptions: the rPAF-AH 5 mg/kg group had significantly fewer patients younger than 40 years old and scheduled to undergo a therapeutic ERCP involving the pancreatic sphincter or duct. Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in 17.5%, 15.9%, and 19.6% of patients receiving rPAF-AH (1 mg/kg), rPAF-AH (5 mg/kg), and placebo, respectively (P = .59 for rPAF-AH 1 mg/kg vs placebo and P = .337 for rPAF-AH 5 mg/kg vs placebo). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to the severity of pancreatitis, frequency of amylase/lipase elevation more than 3 times normal, or abdominal pain.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no apparent benefit of rPAF-AH treatment compared with placebo in reducing the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis in subjects at increased risk.

Effect of somatostatin in the prevention of pancreatic complications after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND

The unique clinical role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in diagnosing and treating biliary tree diseases cannot be completely replaced by other modern imaging modalities such as magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. However, post-ERCP pancreatitis is one of the most common and life-threatening complications. Prophylactic medication in the prevention of pancreatitis during ERCP is still controversial. The objective of the present study was to investigate the role of different regimens of somatostatin in the prevention of acute pancreatitis after ERCP and analyze the risk factors contributing to post-ERCP complications.

METHODS

From July 1999 to September 2000, 133 patients with benign biliary disease who received ERCP for diagnosis or treatment were enrolled. Group A patients received a bolus of somatostatin infusion before ERCP, followed by continuous infusion for 12 hours. Group B patients received a bolus of somatostatin before ERCP only, and group C patients were the controls who did not receive somatostatin treatment. Serum amylase levels before and 24 hours after ERCP, and abdominal pain were recorded.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in bile duct and pancreatic duct visualization, ratio of diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP, procedure time, post-procedural hyperamylasemia and pancreatitis among the 3 groups. For patients with visualization of the pancreatic duct, the incidences of hyperamylasemia (serum amylase > or = 220 U/L) were higher than in patients without visualization of the pancreatic duct (p < 0.001). All 6 patients with post-ERCP pancreatitis had pancreatic duct visualization, and recovered after conservative treatment.

CONCLUSION

Continuous infusion of somatostatin after ERCP does not seem to be helpful in the prevention of pancreatic complications after ERCP. Pancreatic duct visualization is a risk factor for pancreatic complications.

The prophylactic effect of somatostatin on post-therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis: a randomized, multicenter controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Patients undergoing therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are at a higher risk of developing post-ERCP pancreatitis than patients undergoing diagnostic ERCP. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of somatostatin in preventing post-therapeutic ERCP pancreatitis.

METHODS

This placebo-controlled, double-blind, randomized study involved 391 patients in 3 hospitals who required therapeutic ERCP. Patients were assigned to receive either somatostatin or placebo. The incidence of pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia after performing ERCP was compared between the somatostatin and placebo groups.

RESULTS

Pancreatitis occurred in statistically significantly fewer ERCP patients who received somatostatin (7/193: 3.6%) than placebo (19/198: 9.6%; P = 0.02). With regard to the individual ERCP procedures, statistically significant reductions in post-ERCP pancreatitis were seen in patients treated with somatostatin who had stoneremoval (P = 0.04) and endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (P= 0.03). The incidence of hyperamylasemia was lower in the somatostatin group (7.8%) than in the placebo group (12.6%), although this difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

A significantly lower incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in patients who received somatostatin prophylaxis. This finding suggests that the administration of somatostatin is useful in preventing pancreatitis in patients undergoing therapeutic ERCP.

Preventive effects of ulinastatin on post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis in high-risk patients: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

Previous studies have shown that ulinastatin may be effective at preventing pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, routine administration of ulinastatin is unlikely to be cost-effective. So the aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the effectiveness of low-dose ulinastatin at preventing pancreatitis in patients at high risk of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

METHODS

A total of 227 patients (mean age, 63 years; 54% men) were randomized to receive placebo (n = 108) or active drug (n = 119) immediately after ERCP and received active drug (100,000 U of ulinastatin) or placebo. Occurrence of post-ERCP pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia were compared between the 2 groups.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of pancreatitis was 6.2%, and no significant differences were observed between placebo- and ulinastatin-treated patients in terms of the frequencies of pancreatitis (5.6% vs 6.7%), abdominal pain, or hyperamylasemia. Pancreatic duct acinarization, papillectomy of ampulla of Vater adenoma, difficult cannulation, and female sex were identified as risk factors for pancreatitis in univariate analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Low-dose prophylactic treatment with ulinastatin immediately after ERCP did not show a beneficial influence on the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia in high-risk patients.

Prophylactic corticosteroids do not prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Data regarding the use of corticosteroids for the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis are conflicting. The aim of this meta-analysis was to compare corticosteroids with placebo for prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

METHODS

Multiple databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane controlled trials register, the Cochrane Library, Science Citation Index, Google Scholar and Google updated to June 2007 were searched to retrieve the relevant randomized controlled trials. Primary outcome measure was post-ERCP pancreatitis.

RESULTS

Six randomized controlled trials involving 2,448 patients were identified. The analysis showed that corticosteroids did not prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis (OR 1.13: 95% CI [0.88, 1.46]). Subsequent sensitivity and subgroup analyses according to different criteria all confirmed these results.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on available evidence, prophylactic corticosteroids do not reduce the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Pre-ERCP infusion of semapimod, a mitogen-activated protein kinases inhibitor, lowers post-ERCP hyperamylasemia but not pancreatitis incidence

BACKGROUND

Acute pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia are frequent complications of an ERCP. Semapimod is a synthetic guanylhydrazone that inhibits the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, macrophage activation, and the production of several inflammatory cytokines.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluated whether intravenous (IV) administration of semapimod given before an ERCP reduces the incidence of post-ERCP hyperamylasemia and pancreatitis.

DESIGN

A single-center, randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial.

SETTING

An academic medical center.

PATIENTS

Between 2001 and 2005, 242 patients who were undergoing a therapeutic ERCP at our institution were included.

INTERVENTION

Patients received a single IV dose of semapimod or a placebo before an ERCP.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

The occurrence of post-ERCP pancreatitis, as well as post-ERCP hyperamylasemia.

RESULTS

The incidence of hyperamylasemia was significantly reduced (29.8% vs 18.4%; P = .031). Moreover, semapimod administration significantly lowered the levels of amylase during the first 24 hours after the ERCP. The incidence of clinical pancreatitis was reduced by 40%, without reaching statistical significance (14.9 vs 9.1%; P = .117).

LIMITATIONS

A relatively small single-center study. One dose of semapimod was used.

CONCLUSIONS

A single dose of IV semapimod 1 hour before an ERCP is safe and exerts a biological effect, demonstrated by a statistically significant reduction of the incidence of hyperamylasemia and the levels of post-ERCP amylase. A protective effect for the development of post-ERCP pancreatitis could not be convincingly demonstrated.

Relationship between post-ERCP pancreatitis and the change of serum amylase level after the procedure

AIM: To clarify the relationship between the change of serum amylase level and post-ERCP pancreatitis.

METHODS: Between January 1999 and December 2002, 1291 ERCP-related procedures were performed. Serum amylase concentrations were measured before the procedure and 3, 6, and 24 h afterward. The frequency and severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis and the relationship between these phenomena and the change in amylase level were estimated.

RESULTS: Post-ERCP pancreatitis occurred in 47 patients (3.6%). Pancreatitis occurred in 1% of patients with normal amylase levels 3 h after ERCP, and in 1%, 5%, 20%, 31% and 39% of patients with amylase levels elevated 1-2 times, 2-3 times, 3-5 times, 5-10 times and over 10 times the upper normal limit at 3 h after ERCP, respectively (level < 2 times vs≥ 2 times, P < 0.001). Of the 143 patients with levels higher than the normal limit at 3 h after ERCP followed by elevation at 6 h, pancreatitis occurred in 26%. In contrast, pancreatitis occurred in 9% of 45 patients with a level higher than two times the normal limit at 3 h after ERCP followed by a decrease at 6 h (26% vs 9%, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Post-ERCP pancreatitis is frequently associated with an increase in serum amylase level greater than twice the normal limit at 3 h after ERCP with an elevation at 6 h. A decrease in amylase level at 6 h after ERCP suggests the unlikelihood of development of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Somatostatin and gabexate for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis prevention: meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Prior studies have suggested the efficacy of somatostatin and gabexate in post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis prevention. We examined this notion in our study.

METHODS

An extensive literature search led to the inclusion of seven homogeneous high-quality studies (Jadad score >or=4), involving 3,130 patients. The studies were grouped according to the drug's length of administration: given as an infusion for 12 h (groups SOM1 and GAB1 for somatostatin and gabexate, respectively); given as an infusion for less then 12 h (groups SOM2 and GAB2 for somatostatin and gabexate, respectively); and given as a bolus (group SOM3 for somatostatin, none identified for gabexate). Separate meta-analyses investigating post-procedural pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia rates were conducted in a random effects model.

RESULTS

Pancreatitis analyses yielded significant risk differences for the SOM1, SOM3 and GAB1 groups. The resulting values were 7.7% (95% confidence intervals [CI][3.4 to 12.0], P < 0.0001), 8.2% (95% CI [4.4 to 12.0], P < 0.0001) and 5.2% (95% CI [1.1 to 9.4], P = 0.01), respectively. No statistically significant risk differences were observed for the SOM2 and GAB2 groups: -2.3% (95% CI [-5.2 to 0.5], P = 0.11) and -1.1% (95% CI [-3.8 to 1.6], P = 0.41), respectively. Hyperamylasemia analyses yielded significant risk differences for the SOM1 and SOM3 groups (P = 0.017 and 0.001, respectively), although not for the SOM2, GAB1 and GAB2 groups (P = 0.44, 0.49 and 0.47, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Somatostatin administered as a bolus seems to be an efficacious measure of post-ERCP pancreatitis prevention, reducing pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia rates, and being applicable to clinical practice. Further study is required before its introduction into routine care.

Prophylactic administration of somatostatin or gabexate does not prevent pancreatitis after ERCP: an updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The prophylactic use of somatostatin or gabexate in patients undergoing ERCP is still controversial.

OBJECTIVE

Our purpose was to update the meta-analysis on somatostatin (SS, 16 studies) or gabexate mesylate (GM, 9 studies) prophylaxis of post-ERCP pancreatitis and to run sensitivity analyses by subgrouping trials according to schedules of drug administration.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Post-ERCP acute pancreatitis, hyperamylasemia, and pain.

RESULTS

Heterogeneity was present among selected studies, which appeared eliminated when only 9 high-quality trials on SS and 5 randomized studies on GM were considered. After data were pooled from SS trials, pancreatitis occurred in 7.3% of controls versus 5.3% of treated patients, a nonsignificant effect (odds ratio [OR] = 0.73; 95% CI 0.54-1.006). The funnel plot showed asymmetry with a negative slope (P = .05). The meta-analysis produced negative results for either short- (<6 hours) or long-term (> or =12 hours) SS infusion, whereas a bolus injection proved effective (OR = 0.271; 95% CI 0.138-0.536), with a pooled absolute risk reduction of 8.2% (95% CI 4.4-12.0%). Postprocedural hyperamylasemia, but not pain, was significantly reduced (OR = 0.67, 95% CI 0.57-0.81). In controls and patients treated with GM, pancreatitis developed in 5.7% versus 4.8%, hyperamylasemia in 40.6% versus 36.9%, and pain in 1.7% versus 8.9%. All pooled ORs were nonsignificant: P = .34, .17, and .19, respectively. The meta-analysis produced no significant effect for either short-term (<6 hours) or long-term (>12 hours) GM administration.

CONCLUSION

Short- or long-term infusion of SS or GM proved ineffective in reducing post-ERCP pancreatitis and pain. The beneficial effect of SS on postprocedural hyperamylasemia seems of marginal significance. When given as a bolus injection, SS maintains its promise in this field, but additional data are needed.

Mild ERCP-induced and non-ERCP-related acute pancreatitis: two distinct clinical entities?

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hypothesis that mild endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-induced acute pancreatitis (AP) runs a distinctly shorter clinical course compared with mild attacks caused by other etiological factors.

METHODS

ERCP-induced AP was defined as the persistence of postprocedure abdominal pain requiring analgesia for at least 24 h in association with hyperamylasemia of more than three times the normal value. Among 2552 patients who had undergone ERCP between 1996 and 2002 in two different hospitals, mild AP developed after "elective" ERCP in 48 (group I). Among a random sample of 10% of 700 patients admitted with AP to both hospitals during the same study period, 58 had mild non-ERCP-related AP (group II). Results shown are medians.

RESULTS

Patients in group I had significantly shorter durations of pain (55 vs. 114 h, P < 0.0001), analgesic intake (56 vs.93 h, P = 0.007), and intravenous hydration (48 vs. 80 h, P < 0.0001), a lower opiate analgesic requirement (58 mg morphine equivalent vs. 100 mg, P = 0.001), a shorter time to resumption of oral diet (3 vs. 5 days, P < 0.0001), and a shorter hospital stay (4 vs. 7 days, P < 0.0001) than patients in group II.

CONCLUSIONS

The current definitions of ERCP-induced AP select a cohort of patients whose mild attacks run a significantly shorter and milder course than non-ERCP-related mild attacks. A new consensus definition of ERCP-induced AP that describes attacks of similar clinical course is needed.

Pharmacotherapy for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis

Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is a potential complication of ERCP. Pharmacotherapy for prevention of PEP aims at reducing basal sphincter pressure and contractility or a decrease in pancreatic secretion to reduce intraductal pressure. Timing and route of administration of drugs are critical to ensure maximum benefits from medications. Pancreatic stenting offers an alternative to decompress the pancreas and is effective in reducing PEP in high-risk patients.

Effect of octreotide administration in the prophylaxis of post-ERCP pancreatitis and hyperamylasemia: A multicenter, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

Since the introduction of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatology (ERCP) in clinical use, pancreatitis has become a common complication of ERCP. Octreotide is an inhibitor of pancreatic enzyme secretions. Several studies have evaluated the effect of octreotide on the incidence of clinical pancreatitis after ERCP, but with different results. The aim was to determine the efficacy of prophylactic administration of octreotide for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and hyperamylasemia.

METHODS

In this study, patients with scheduled ERCP were randomized to receive either octreotide (0.3 mg) via intramuscular injection or a placebo. The study was conducted in 12 digestive endoscopic units in China. Patients were randomized into two groups: an octreotide group (N = 414) and a control group (N = 418). In the octreotide group, octreotide (0.3 mg) was dissolved in 500 mL of 0.9% saline solution and administered by continuous intravenous infusion, beginning 1 h before endoscopic examination and continued for 6 h thereafter; 0.1 mg of octreotide was injected subcutaneously at 6 and 12 h after the intravenous injection was stopped. The control group was given a placebo intravenously. The end point was the development of acute pancreatitis.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of acute pancreatitis was 3.85%; this included 2.42% (10/414) in the octreotide group and 5.26% (22/418) in the control group (P = 0.046). The overall incidence of hyperamylasemia was 14.9%; 12.32% (51/414) in the octreotide group and 17.46% (73/418) in the control group (P = 0.041). No side effects were found.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that octreotide can prevent PEP and hyperamylasemia.

Minimizing complications in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and sphincterotomy

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a major tool in the diagnosis and management of numerous biliary and pancreatic conditions, including choledocholithiasis as well as benign and malignant pancreatic diseases, especially those causing biliary obstruction. Since the procedure's inception, the techniques and indications have evolved along with advances in technology and an improved understanding of risks associated with ERCP. The trend has been away from purely diagnostic procedures; most ERCPs are now therapeutic in intent. ERCP remains among the more invasive of endoscopic procedures, with significant rates of complications that can be major. As advances are made in less invasive technology, it is important to understand the complications of ERCP and how best to avoid them.

Post-ERCP pancreatitis and its prevention

Pancreatitis remains the most common severe complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and typically develops in 5-7% of patients. Although most post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is mild, severe pancreatitis and its complications (including a systemic inflammatory response or the development of pseudocysts or pancreatic necrosis) can occur, and in rare cases death can result. A means of preventing PEP in all patients who undergo the procedure remains elusive. Proper patient selection for ERCP is critical to avoid unnecessary risk. Pharmacologic attempts to prevent PEP have been largely unsuccessful; encouraging results have been difficult to validate. Prophylactic stenting of the pancreatic duct and minimally traumatic cannulation techniques offer the most promise as a means of preventing PEP. This manuscript reviews risk factors for PEP as well as pharmacologic and procedural means that can be used to reduce its incidence.

[Utility of bolus somatostatin administration in preventing pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a controlled, non-randomized study]

INTRODUCTION

Somatostatin is one of the most extensively evaluated drugs in the prophylaxis of pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), but its utility remains controversial.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of somatostatin as prophylaxis of ERCP-induced acute pancreatitis. A group of consecutive patients that underwent ERCP in our endoscopy unit was prospectively studied for 8 months. Patients in this group were administered an endovenous bolus of 250 micrograms of somatostatin immediately before introducing the catheter in the papilla of Vater (somatostatin group). This group was compared with another group composed of consecutive patients who had undergone ERCP in the 8 previous months, without somatostatin administration (placebo group). Both groups contained the same number of patients. The following variables were recorded; sex, age, contrast injection in the duct of Wirsung, endoscopist, therapeutic maneuvers, and the development of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

RESULTS

During the 16 months of patient inclusion, we performed 320 ERCP in our unit, of which 248 were included in the study: 142 in the somatostatin group and 142 in the placebo group. Of these patients, 152 (53.5%) were men and 132 (46.5%) were women. The mean age was 70.05 +/- 13.83 years (range: 27-93 years). Acute pancreatitis occurred in 10 patients in the somatostatin group and in 5 in the placebo group; this difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in the remaining variables studied.

CONCLUSION

Somatostatin does not seem to be useful in preventing post-ERCP acute pancreatitis.

JPN Guidelines for the management of acute pancreatitis: epidemiology, etiology, natural history, and outcome predictors in acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is a common disease with an annual incidence of between 5 and 80 people per 100 000 of the population. The two major etiological factors responsible for acute pancreatitis are alcohol and cholelithiasis (gallstones). The proportion of patients with pancreatitis caused by alcohol or gallstones varies markedly in different countries and regions. The incidence of acute alcoholic pancreatitis is considered to be associated with high alcohol consumption. Although the incidence of alcoholic pancreatitis is much higher in men than in women, there is no difference in sexes in the risk involved after adjusting for alcohol intake. Other risk factors include endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, surgery, therapeutic drugs, HIV infection, hyperlipidemia, and biliary tract anomalies. Idiopathic acute pancreatitis is defined as acute pancreatitis in which the etiological factor cannot be specified. However, several studies have suggested that this entity includes cases caused by other specific disorders such as microlithiasis. Acute pancreatitis is a potentially fatal disease with an overall mortality of 2.1%–7.8%. The outcome of acute pancreatitis is determined by two factors that reflect the severity of the illness: organ failure and pancreatic necrosis. About half of the deaths in patients with acute pancreatitis occur within the first 1–2 weeks and are mainly attributable to multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Depending on patient selection, necrotizing pancreatitis develops in approximately 10%–20% of patients and the mortality is high, ranging from 14% to 25% of these patients. Infected pancreatic necrosis develops in 30%–40% of patients with necrotizing pancreatitis and the incidence of MODS in such patients is high. The recurrence rate of acute pancreatitis is relatively high: almost half the patients with acute alcoholic pancreatitis experience a recurrence. When the gallstones are not treated, the risk of recurrence in gallstone pancreatitis ranges from 32% to 61%. After recovering from acute pancreatitis, about one-third to one-half of acute pancreatitis patients develop functional disorders, such as diabetes mellitus and fatty stool; the incidence of chronic pancreatitis after acute pancreatitis ranges from 3% to 13%. Nevertheless, many reports have shown that most patients who recover from acute pancreatitis regain good general health and return to their usual daily routine. Some authors have emphasized that endocrine function disorders are a common complication after severe acute pancreatitis has been treated by pancreatic resection.

Updates in biliary endoscopy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a non-surgical approach to diseases of the pancreaticobiliary system that dates back to the late 1960s. Initially, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was purely a diagnostic procedure. After the first report of endoscopic sphincterotomy in 1974, therapeutic uses were possible for diseases that previously required surgery. As therapeutic indications broaden, our understanding of complications has tempered the initial excitement. Non-invasive imaging in many circumstances has replaced the diagnostic utilization of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography which is now reserved primarily for therapeutic indications. This review is intended to address biliary therapeutics with an update on the recent directions of this field.

RECENT FINDINGS

Advancements in the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography medical literature in the last year have concentrated on the management of difficult common bile duct stones using electrohydraulic lithotripsy, chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer-induced biliary strictures, postoperative bile leaks, the use of newer methods of biliary access and finally the use of ulinastatin for the prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis.

SUMMARY

This is an update of the work in the field of biliary endoscopy over the last year. The goal of this review is to address specific management concerns in the field of biliary endoscopy from the literature published in 2005.

Effect of native somatostatin on Sphincter of Oddi motility in patients with acute recurrent pancreatitis. A pilot study with Ultrasound-Secretin test

BACKGROUND

The effect of native somatostatin on Sphincter of Oddi motility still remains controversial. Sphincter of Oddi inhibition was demonstrated at manometry in patients in the acute phase of alcoholic pancreatitis. Other investigators showed marked somatostatin-induced impairment of bile flow by hepato-biliary scintigraphy.

AIM

Aim of the study was to determine the effects of therapeutical doses of exogenous somatostatin on Sphincter of Oddi motility.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We studied eight patients (two men, six women, age 18-42), in the quiescent phase of idiopathic recurrent pancreatitis. We directly studied Sphincter of Oddi motility by perendoscopic manometry and, indirectly, secretin-stimulated pancreatic juice outflow by Ultrasound-Secretin test. The two tests were repeated before and after somatostatin infusion.

RESULTS

Manometry was performed in two patients. After 250 microg somatostatin bolus the sphincter showed an increase of motor activity. At Ultrasound-Secretin test mean diameters were significantly larger at 40-60 min evaluation intervals during 250 microg/h somatostatin infusion as compared to saline infusion, showing a delayed pancreatic duct emptying.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute administration of somatostatin seems to induce an excitatory effect on Sphincter of Oddi motility, with impaired pancreatic outflow in patients in the quiescent phase of recurrent pancreatitis.

Pharmacological prevention and treatment of acute pancreatitis: where are we now?

Acute pancreatitis is a disease of increasing prevalence, unchanged mortality over many decades, and limited treatment strategies. Progress has been made in developing therapies that reduce the rate of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-associated pancreatitis and in preventing infected pancreatic necrosis with intravenous carbapenems. Attempts at reducing pancreatic enzyme output or inhibiting the activity of digestive enzyme proteases have not yielded encouraging results - nor have anti-inflammatory strategies for the treatment of acute pancreatitis been found to be effective so far. Future therapeutic options that are presently being developed or under investigation attempt to restore pancreatic secretory function, interfere with inflammatory pathways in a more effective manner, or inhibit digestive enzyme proteases more selectively.

Ulinastatin for pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a randomized, controlled trial

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Pancreatitis remains the major complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and hyperenzymemia after ERCP is common. Because ulinastatin, a protease inhibitor, has proved effective in the treatment of acute pancreatitis, the aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of ulinastatin for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis and hyperenzymemia.

METHODS

In a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, patients undergoing a first ERCP were randomized to receive ulinastatin (150,000 U) or placebo by intravenous infusion for 10 minutes starting immediately before ERCP. All patients were hospitalized at least 24 hours after ERCP for evaluation of clinical symptoms. Serum pancreatic enzyme levels were measured before and at 4 and 18 hours after ERCP. The primary end point was the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis and the secondary objective was the occurrence of hyperenzymemia.

RESULTS

A total of 406 patients were enrolled (204 in the ulinastatin group and 202 in the placebo group). There were no differences between the 2 groups regarding baseline characteristics, details of fluoroscopic findings, or endoscopic procedure. The incidence of hyperenzymemia was significantly lower in the ulinastatin group than in the placebo group (amylase, P = .011; lipase, P = .008). Six patients in the ulinastatin group and 15 patients in the placebo group developed pancreatitis (2.9% vs. 7.4%, P = .041). There was no case of severe pancreatitis in either group. Patients who received ulinastatin did not present any side effects related to the medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic short-term administration of ulinastatin decreases the incidence of pancreatitis and hyperenzymemia after ERCP.

High-dose allopurinol for prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis: a prospective randomized double-blind controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Pancreatitis is the most common major complication of diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP. Allopurinol, a xanthine oxidase inhibitor that blocks generation of oxygen-derived free radicals, potentially may prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis. This study assessed the efficacy of high-dose oral allopurinol for prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

METHODS

A prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted in 250 patients undergoing ERCP. Patients were randomized to receive allopurinol (600 mg) or placebo orally at 15 and 3 hours before the procedure. Patients were clinically evaluated, and serum amylase levels were determined before ERCP and at 6 and 24 hours thereafter. Standardized criteria were used to diagnose and to grade the severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

RESULTS

A total of 243 patients were included in the analysis. The two groups were similar with regard to age; gender; underlying disease; indication for treatment; ERCP findings; and type of treatment, except for biliary sphincterotomy. Only 43 patients in the allopurinol group underwent biliary sphincterotomy vs. 87 in the placebo group ( p < 0.001). The frequency of acute pancreatitis was significantly lower in the allopurinol vs. the placebo group in the final multinomial regression analysis: allopurinol group, 4/125 (3.2%), with all 4 cases graded as mild, vs. placebo group, 21/118 (17.8%), of which 8/118 (6.8%) were graded as mild, 11/118 (9.3%) as moderate, and 2/118 (1.6%) as severe with fatal outcome ( p < 0.001). The protective effect of allopurinol was also apparent in the diagnostic ERCP and the biliary sphincterotomy subgroups when the frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis was analyzed after stratification by procedure. The mean duration of hospitalization for pancreatitis was significantly shorter in the allopurinol compared with the placebo group (2.5 vs. 5.67 days; p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Pretreatment with high-dose, orally administered allopurinol decreases the frequency of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Despite the promising results of this prospective, randomized trial, further studies are needed to verify these observations before allopurinol can be recommended for routine clinical use.

Prophylaxis of ERCP-related pancreatitis: a randomized, controlled trial of somatostatin and gabexate mesylate

BACKGROUND & AIMS

It still is debated whether post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis can be prevented by administering either somatostatin or gabexate mesylate. The aim of the study is to assess the efficacy of a 6.5-hour infusion of somatostatin or gabexate mesylate in preventing ERCP-related complications.

METHODS

In a double-blind multicenter trial, 1127 patients undergoing ERCP were randomly assigned to intravenous administration of somatostatin (750 microg; n = 351), gabexate mesylate (500 mg; n = 381), or placebo (saline; n = 395). The drug infusion started 30 minutes before and continued for 6 hours after endoscopy. Patients were evaluated clinically, and serum amylase levels were determined at 4, 24, and 48 hours after endoscopy.

RESULTS

No significant differences in incidences of pancreatitis, hyperamylasemia, or abdominal pain were observed among the placebo (4.8%, 32.6%, and 5.3%, respectively), somatostatin (6.3%, 26.8%, and 5.1%, respectively), and gabexate mesylate groups (5.8%, 31.5%, and 6.3%, respectively). Univariate analysis of patient characteristics and endoscopic maneuvers showed that a Freeman score >1 (P < 0.0001), >/=3 pancreatic injections (P < 0.00001), and precut sphincterotomy (P = 0.01) were significantly associated with post-ERCP pancreatitis. At multiple logistic regression analysis, >/=3 pancreatic injections (odds ratio [OR], 1.95; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45-2.63) and a Freeman score >1 (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.11-1.94) retained their predictive power.

CONCLUSIONS

Long-term (6.5-hr) administration of either somatostatin or gabexate mesylate is ineffective for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Pancreatic injury seems to be related to difficulty in common bile duct access.

Natural beta-carotene for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a commonly used procedure. Pancreatitis is its most common complication. As the injury may be mediated by oxidative stress, it could be ameliorated by antioxidants.

METHODS

We conducted a double-blind trial, giving the patients a single dose of natural beta-carotene or placebo, 12 hours prior to procedure, and monitoring them for 24 hours post-procedure for procedure complications, antioxidant levels, and plasma oxidation.

RESULTS

The overall incidence of acute pancreatitis according to our definition was 9.6%. The incidence of pancreatitis was not significantly different between the beta-carotene group (10%) and the placebo group (9.4%). Four patients in the placebo group had severe pancreatitis (2.22%), but none in the beta-carotene group. This difference is statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

We did not see a reduction in the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis, but there may be some protective effect of treatment with beta-carotene regarding the severity of disease.

Pharmacological prevention of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis

The incidence of clinically significant pancreatitis after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) ranges from 1-13.5%. It is more common after therapeutic procedures such as sphincterotomy or balloon dilatation of the sphincter, and diagnostic procedures such as biliary or pancreatic manometry. The severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis may vary from very mild to extremely severe disease with multiple organ failure and fatal outcome. Several factors including papillary oedema, injection of hyperosmolar contrast-material, introduction of previously activated enzymes during repeated cannulation, bacterial contamination and thermal injury from endoscopic sphincterotomy have been implicated as triggering factors that initiate the sequential cascade of pancreatic autodigestion and release of proinflammatory cytokines leading to acute pancreatitis. Recovery from post-ERCP pancreatitis is usually rapid when the injury is confined to the pancreas. However, systemic production of inflammatory mediators may lead to the development of more serious manifestations including multiorgan failure.A wide range of pharmacological agents has been tested in experimental and clinical trials, but the results have been largely disappointing. Several drugs are discussed in this review, but only somatostatin and gabexate (gabexate mesilate) have consistently shown a moderate beneficial effect. In clinical trials, both gabexate and somatostatin appear equally effective in reducing the incidence of pancreatitis by two-thirds compared with controls. However, both drugs need to be given by continuous infusion for about 12 hours and this makes them less cost-effective than conventional treatment. One potential strategy is to reserve these drugs for high-risk patients undergoing ERCP. Preliminary studies have shown encouraging results with nitroglycerin, antibacterials and heparin. However, these observations need to be corroborated in a rigorous fashion in large, randomised, double-blind, controlled trials. If these drugs are found to be effective in further trials, it may become cost-effective to use them routinely for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis. Despite the theoretical benefits, interleukin-10 has not shown a consistent benefit in clinical trials. It is probable that other cytokine inhibitors or modulators may become available for future trials to prevent pancreatitis or more probably, to reduce the severity of pancreatitis. Further research also should focus on developing newer molecules or the use of a combination of currently available drugs to prevent pancreatitis in high-risk patients undergoing therapeutic ERCP procedures.