The possible role of platelet-activating factor antagonist therapy in the management of severe acute pancreatitis

The purpose of this chapter is to examine the possible role of platelet-act ivating factor (PAF) antagonist therapy as a means of modifying the systemi c inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) and multi-organ dysfunction syndrom e (MODS) in the management of patients with severe acute pancreatitis (AP). Supposed specific treatments of AP have not shown clinical benefit, with a ntiprotease agents such as aprotinin and gabexate mesilate, as well as fres h frozen plasma, being ineffective. In addition, early peritoneal lavage, i ntravenous glucagon, somatostatin and octreotide have shown no benefit.