(amylase, trypsin, lipase). Octreotide increases intestinal transit time and decreases endogenous fluid secretion in the jejunum and ileum, thus increasing the absorption of water and electrolytes. These pharmacological effects of the analogue point to its therapeutic role in a variety of endocrine and gastrointestinal disorders.

Octreotide is an effective treatment for TSH-secreting adenomas. Thyroid-stimulating hormone levels almost always decreased, and thyroid hormone levels reverted to normal in about three quarters of patients. Partial tumor shrinkage was observed in one third of patients receiving long-term octreotide treatment.

No abstract

Fifty-eight acromegalic patients were included in a multicenter prospective study of increasing doses (300-1500 micrograms) of SMS 201-995 (octreotide, Sandostatin) administered 3 times daily, sc, during 6 months to determine its effect on signs and symptoms of GH hypersecretion. Subsequently, 34 of the patients were maintained for 12-26 months on the minimal efficacious dose, determined from the previous dose-response study. Some adverse effects were frequently encountered, mostly at the initiation of treatment, and disappeared with time. Asymptomatic gallstones occurred in 5 patients. Minimal changes in carbohydrate tolerance, consisting of a rise in blood glucose and a transient decrease in plasma insulin level after meals, were noted. GH normalized in 22% of the patients, improved in 56%, and remained unchanged in 22% regardless of the dose. The optimal daily dose was 300 micrograms in 50% of the patients and 1500 micrograms in 20%. Pituitary tumor size reduction occurred in 47% of the patients harboring large tumors or tumor remnants. No additional improvement or escape from being controlled occurred with time. These data indicate that SMS 201-995 is an effective treatment for refractory acromegaly and for some de novo patients for whom surgical therapy is not advisable.

The results of this study demonstrate that the application of 50% glycolic acid peels improves mild photoaging of the skin.