Intoxicación porsulfonilureas: utilidad terapéutica del octrotide

Sulfonylurea overdose is an emergency that needs a prompt and effective therapy to obtain normal levels of glycemia and, in this way, prevent complications of hypoglycemia. Octreotide (long-acting analogue of somatostatin) has been included in the treatment of different tumors (gastrointestinal and hormone-secreting). Its usage has been reported in this type of hypoglycemia. In this study 5 patients with severe hypoglycemia have been included. We administered to each patient 50 micrograms of Octreotide endovenously and hypertonic Dextrose infusion. Sweet liquids were offered when feasible (acceptable level of consciousness). All patients were males between 19 and 82 years old (average 64). Two patients were known to be diabetics under treatment with sulfonylureas. One case had made a suicide attempt, another patient ingested the drug by mistake. In the last case, poisoning was suspected. The lower peaks of serum glycemia levels were in the range of 12-41 mg/dl. No adverse effects were reported. Octreotide may contribute in the treatment of hypoglycemia resulting from sulfonylurea overdose. Our findings emphasize its safety and lack of adverse effects.