Use of a long-acting somatostatin analogue (SMS 201-995) in controlling a significant ileal output in a 5-year-old child.

We report the efficacy of a long-acting somatostatin analogue, associated with conventional therapy, in controlling profuse ileostomy losses in a child with short bowel syndrome following a volvulus. The first therapeutic effects of the treatment [50 to 100 micrograms/day of SMS 201-995 (Sandoz Ltd.) subcutaneously] appeared 48 h after institution. Ileal output was reduced on an average from 1,800 to 600 ml. The transit time to the ileostomy was prolonged from 20 to 360 min. The loss of chloride and sodium was reduced. Clinical tolerance was good. This treatment allowed rapid weaning of parenteral nutrition and implementation of a constant rate enteral infusion with rapid nutritional restitution. Hospitalization was shortened and this treatment raises future opportunities in the short bowel syndrome.