[Effect of a synthetic somatostatin analogue with delayed action (SMS 201-995) on the biliary expenditure in a patient with an external biliary tract fistula]

The effect of treatment with a long acting analogue of somatostatin (SMS 201-995) administered by subcutaneous route 165 micrograms every eight hours in a patient with a external biliary fistula is reported. There was a significant reduction of the daily fistula output during treatment when compared with the basal periods (p = 0.04), with an average decrease of 270 ml/day during the first period of treatment and 357 ml/day when the drug was administered the second time (p = 0.04). There where not changes in the chemical composition of the bile neither adverse side effects were observed during treatment. These results suggest that SMS 201-995 might be useful in the treatment of external biliary fistulas.

[Pancreatitis and pregnancy]

Five cases of pregnancy complicated by pancreatitis are discussed. In three of the five cases there was, at the time of the pregnancy, some pathology which might have been responsable for the acute pancreatitis. Three patients were operated on. The phisiopathology and the ethiopathology of this condition are commented, as well as the principal clinical and laboratorial findings. The complications are discussed. The medical treatment represents the best management in these cases. Surgery, ideally, should only be undertaken when the pregnancy is over.