Background Angiodysplasia (AD) is the most common vascular malformation of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and causes significant morbidity. Long-acting octreotide, administered intramuscularly once per month might be useful for controlling chronic bleeding from angiodysplasia as an off-label use. Some case reports have demonstrated a significant benefit.

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of long-acting octreotide as an off-label use in patients suffering from chronic GI bleeding from AD.

Material and methods A retrospective observational study of all patients treated in our hospital with long-acting octreotide for chronic GI bleeding because of AD was performed. We analysed three time periods: one year before starting long-acting octreotide (t₀), one year after (t₁) and two years after (t₂) starting long-acting octreotide treatment. Data, collected from the patient’s medical record, included: demographic data, treatment-related data, haemoglobin levels and number of hospitalizations as efficacy data, and side effects. The statistical analysis was performed with SPSS.

Results Twenty five patients were included, 85% men with a mean age of 76.1 years [58.7–91.7]. Dosage pattern used was: 10 mg (48%), 20 mg (40%) and 30 mg (12%). Mean treatment duration was 31.1 months [3.2–97.4]. The mean of haemoglobin levels was: t₀ 9.14 (Standard deviation (SD): 1.12), t₁ 10.37 (SD: 1.69) and t₂ 10.37 (SD: 2.02). There was statistical differences in haemoglobin levels between t₁-t₀ (p = 0.001) and between t₂-t₀ (p = 0.05). Furthermore, hospitalizations decreased when compared at t₁ (3.61 ± 2.69) to t₀ (5.29 ± 4.26), p = 0.028; and t₂ (2.43 ± 2.44) to t₀ (5.29), p = 0.042. No major adverse events were recorded; two patients experienced cholelithiasis and another two glycaemic alteration.

Conclusion Patients treated with long-acting octreotide had a significant reduction in hospitalizations and higher mean haemoglobin concentrations after treatment, with an acceptable safety profile. Besides, case reports by Bon et al. 2012, Scaglione et al. 2007 and Molina Infante et al. 2009, showed a significant reduction in transfusion requirements and iron supplementations.

References and/or Acknowledgements No conflict of interest.