EPIDERMAL GROWTH-FACTOR ATTENUATES THE SCLEROTHERAPY-INDUCED BIOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF THE ESOPHAGUS - AN EXPERIMENTAL-STUDY IN MINIPIGS

The effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the biomechanical prope rties of the oesophagus subjected to sclerotherapy was studied in Goet tingen minipigs by means of impedance planimetry. Methods: Seventeen a nimals underwent three sessions of weekly endoscopic sclerotherapy. Du ring these 3 weeks and for the subsequent 2 weeks they were treated wi th either EGF or placebo. After another 3 weeks an impedance planimetr ic study was done. Ten healthy non-sclerosed pigs were studied as cont rols. Impedance planimetry was performed by stepwise pressure-induced balloon inflation for analysis of oesophageal cross-sectional area 5 a nd 10 cm above the gastro-oesophageal junction (GEJ). Results: Systemi c treatment with EGF (total daily dose of 30 mu g/kg/day, administered subcutaneously) for 3 to 7 days per week combined with a weekly parav enous injection of 20-40 mu g/kg attenuated the oesophageal damage cau sed by sclerotherapy, implying less pronounced narrowing 5 cm above an d less dilation 10 cm above the GEJ. Conclusion: These observations su ggest a potential therapeutic role for EGF in attenuating sclerotherap y-induced oesophageal injury.