Efficacy of Administration of Somatostatin in the Prevention of Post-endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) Pancreatitis

Randomized, Double-blind Study to Evaluate the Efficacy of Administration With Intravenous Bolus Followed by a Continuous Infusion of Somatostatin in the Prevention of Post-ERCP Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis is the most frequent (5-10%) and severe complication after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), that could require of surgical intervention and lead to death. A double- blind study designed to evaluate if the treatment with somatostatin in intravenous bolus before starting the ERCP procedure followed by a continuous infusion for 4 hours after endoscopic proof could prevent acute post-ERCP pancreatitis. Patients submitted to ERCP will be randomized in two groups of treatment, one will receive somatostatin and another placebo. The main aim of this study will be the incidence of acute post-ERCP pancreatitis and secondary objectives will be identify sub-groups of patient with high risk to develop post-ERCP pancreatitis, who could benefit of pharmacologic prophylaxis before the exploration. The study will include 510 patients submitted to an ERCP during a period of 3 years.

A double- blind study designed to evaluate if the treatment with somatostatin in intravenous bolus before starting the ERCP procedure followed by a continuous infusion for 4 hours after endoscopic proof could prevent acute post-ERCP pancreatitis. Patients submitted to ERCP will be randomized in two groups of treatment, one will receive somatostatin and another placebo. The main aim of this study will be the incidence of acute post-ERCP pancreatitis and secondary objectives will be identify sub-groups of patient with high risk to develop post-ERCP pancreatitis, who could benefit of pharmacologic prophylaxis before the exploration. The study will include 510 patients submitted to an ERCP during a period of 3 years.

Inclusion criteria:

1. Patients undergoing therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Pregnancy or history of allergy to somatostatin.
2. Acute myocardial infarction within 3 months of the procedure.
3. Acute pancreatitis in patients undergoing early ERCP in the acute phase of the disease.
4. Previous sphincterotomy.
5. Chronic pancreatitis.