[Medical treatment of acute pancreatitis (author's transl)].

For medical treatment of acute pancreatitis, only very few effective measures can be recommended. To put the gland to rest, the patient has to be maintained in a fasting state. Additionally, Cimetidine should be administered intravenously. A properly functioning nasogastric tube is an efficacious method of inducing the pancreas to rest. To maintain an adequate blood volume and in protecting the microcirculation of pancreas, the use of intravenous fluids that include colloids, is important. Sufficient replacement of electrolytes evidently seems to be indicated. Drug therapy consists of the administration of analgetics and of an adjuvant use of calcitonine or somatostatine, for reducing the pancreatic flow. Aprotinine given early and in sufficient amounts is to be recommended. Antibiotic prophylaxis should be utilized only when pancreatitis associated with biliary tract disease or postoperative pancreatitis seems to be apparent. Whenever systemic hypotension and shock occurs, plasma or dextran, together with sufficient but controlled amounts of intravenous fluids, must be administered. In acute renal failure dopamine has been used with success. Peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis as an ultimate measure, has to be considered. In the case of respiratory distress syndrome, oxygen by nasal catheter must be applied.