Long-acting somatostatin analogues decrease blood transfusion requirements in patients with refractory gastrointestinal bleeding associated with angiodysplasia

Background Gastrointestinal angiodysplasias (GIADs) may be the cause of recurrent bleeding, despite endoscopic treatment. Aim To evaluate the effect of long-acting somatostatin analogues on blood transfusion requirements, in patients with refractory bleeding due to GIADs. Methods Consecutive patients with recurrent bleeding from GIADs were enrolled. They received somatostatin analogue treatment for at least 6 similar to months. The efficacy was evaluated in terms of blood transfusions, frequency of bleeding episodes and haemoglobin level during 6 similar to months of treatment (Period During) compared to a 6-months' period before treatment (Period Before). Results Fifteen patients were enrolled from 2007 to 2010. The median duration of somatostatin analogue treatment was 12 similar to months (range: 636). The number of transfusions significantly decreased in Period During compared with Period Before [median number: 2 (014) vs. 10 (624); P similar to<similar to 0.001]. The percentage of patients who experienced a bleeding event was lower during somatostatin analogues treatment (20% vs. 73%; P similar to=similar to 0.01). The mean haemoglobin level was significantly higher when somatostatin analogues were offered [median: 10 similar to g/dL (913) vs. 7 (58.5); P similar to<similar to 0.001]. None of the patients discontinued treatment due to side effects. Conclusions Long-acting somatostatin analogues treatment decreased transfusion needs in patients with refractory bleeding from gastrointestinal angiodysplasias. Bleeding episodes were limited and haemoglobin improved during treatment. Long-acting somatostatin analogues may represent an option for the management of patients with chronic bleeding due to gastrointestinal angiodysplasias.