EFFECT OF SUBCUTANEOUS ADMINISTRATION OF OCTREOTIDE ON ENDOGENOUS VASOACTIVE SYSTEMS AND RENAL-FUNCTION IN CIRRHOTIC-PATIENTS WITH ASCITES

Splanchnic and systemic arteriolar vasodilation plays an important rol e in ascites formation in cirrhosis. Octreotide produces splanchnic va soconstriction, but the effects on systemic hemodynamics and renal fun ction are controversial. This study evaluated the effect of subcutaneo us octreotide administration on systemic hemodynamics, endogenous vaso active systems, and renal function in cirrhotic patients with ascites. Twenty patients were included: 10 received octreotide 250 mu g/12 hr subcutaneously (for five days), and 10 did not. No statistically signi ficant changes were found in mean arterial pressure and cardiac rate. Octreotide induced a statistically significant decrease in plasma reni n activity (P < 0.01), plasma aldosterone (P = 0.01) and plasma glucag on (P < 0.05). No significant variations were observed in other system ic vasoactive substances (nitric oxide and prostacyclin). Renal functi on was not modified in either group. In conclusion, in cirrhotic patie nts with ascites, subcutaneous octreotide administration decreases pla sma glucagon, renin activity, and aldosterone without changing in syst emic hemodynamics or renal function.