The Effect of Somatostatin for Treatment of Post Hepatectomy Liver Failure (PHLF)
Status:
Unknown status
Trial end date:
1969-12-31
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Post hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) is a serious medical problem could lead to patient
death, however, definite treatment strategy has not been established. The liver is a
regenerating organ and the possibility of PHLF could be reduced when the appropriate liver
regeneration is guaranteed.
Portal flow has known to be important during liver regeneration. Low portal flow cannot
induce proper regeneration, contrary, excessive flow increase shear stress in the hepatic
sinusoid resulting liver failure.
Various medications has been used in malignant liver cirrhosis to reduce portal pressure.
Among them, somatostatin has been used modulating portal flow reducing portal and sinusoidal
pressure.
In this study, the investigators administrate somatostatin at a rate of 3.5ug/kg/hour to PHLF
patients (prothrombin time < 50% and serum total bilirubin > 2.9mg/dl after liver resection)
until recovery from liver failure. For assessment of the recovery of liver failure, the
investigators evaluate aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), serum total
bilirubin and prothrombin time periodically after administration of medication.