GALLBLADDER CONTRACTION INDUCED BY INTRAVENOUS ERYTHROMYCIN ADMINISTRATION - RELATION TO BODY-MASS INDEX

Background/Aims: To study the action of intravenously administered ery thromycin lactobionate on human gallbladder volume, as a possible prev entive method against gallbladder stone formation, in high risk patien ts such as those in sepsis, long standing fasting periods or those rec eiving prolonged total parenteral nutrition or octreotide. Materials a nd Methods: Twenty-two volunteers randomized to receive intravenously either erythromycin lactobionate 7 mg per hg (study group) or normal s aline (controls). We measured ultrasonographically the gallbladder vol ume before and at 5, 15, 35, 55, 90, 120 and 280 min after the infusio n. Results: Erythromycin induced a biphasic gallbladder contraction, w ith maximum contractility at 15 min (10.2%) and between 120 and 180 mi n (22.6%), compared to normal saline controls. Late contractility was correlated to body mass index (BMI). Conclusions: Erythromycin activit y on gallbladder contraction is proved. Its biphasic action needs furt her investigation to find the involved mechanism(s). Long term adminis tration is also necessary to test ifs efficacy in preventing gallbladd er dilatation.