ISSN:
1573-2568
Keywords:
esophageal varices
;
Aethoxysclerol
;
portal hypertension
;
sclerotherapy
;
urogastrone
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Human epidermal growth factor (EGF), a naturally occurring protein, has been implicated in the protection of gastrointestinal mucosal integrity. The efficacy of EGF in the prevention of sclerotherapy-induced esophageal lesions was investigated in 18 minipigs with surgically induced portal hypertension. The animals underwent five weekly sessions of sclerotherapy with polidocanol 2% and were concomitantly treated with either placebo or EGF administered either paravenously or subcutaneously. EGF significantly (P〈0.05) reduced esophageal ulcerations, stricture formations, and mucosal histological damage associated with sclerotherapy. The drug was well-tolerated with no overt toxicity. These results suggest a potentially important clinical value of EGF as an adjunctive treatment with the sclerotherapy.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF02090214
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