[Effects of acute octreotide infusion on renal function in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension].
BACKGROUND
Octreotide is used in the treatment of acute variceal bleeding, based on its inhibitory effects of post-prandial splanchnic hyperemia and splanchnic venoconstriction. The consequences of these haemodynamic changes on renal circulation are not well known in cirrhotic patients.


AIM
To evaluate the effects of acute octreotide administration on several parameters of renal function, including free water clearance, in patients with cirrhosis with or without ascites.


PATIENTS AND METHODS
Twenty cirrhotic patients, Child-Pugh A orB, with or without ascites, with esophageal varices, normal renal function and free of medications (vasoactive drugs or diuretics) were assigned to 2 different protocols. Protocol 1: 10 patients were randomized to receive octreotide or placebo, as a bolus followed by a continuous infusion. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal plasma flow (PRF) were measured, in basal conditions and during the drug or placebo administration. Protocol 2: 10 additional patients were randomized in the same way and free water clearance and urinary sodium excretion were again measured in the basal period and during the drug or placebo infusion.


RESULTS
After octreotide or placebo administration no significant changes were observed neither in GFR nor in PRF. The free water clearance decreased significantly during octreotide administration (3.12 ml/min+/-1.04 SE vs 0.88+/-0.39, p<.03). In both protocols no changes in mean arterial pressure were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Acute administration of octreotide to cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension, with or without ascites, did not produce any change in glomerular filtration rate or in estimated renal plasm blood flow. However the free water clearance decreased significantly. This effect, under chronic administration, could be clinically important and deserves further studies.