Sincalide in patients with parenteral nutrition-associated gallbladder disease.

OBJECTIVE

To review the role of sincalide in treating and preventing parenteral nutrition (PN)-associated gallbladder disease.

DATA SOURCES

A MEDLINE (1996-March 2004) search was performed using the key terms cholecystokinin, sincalide, parenteral nutrition, cholelithiasis, cholestasis, and sludge.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Five human studies investigated the safety and efficacy of sincalide in patients with PN-associated gallbladder disease. Sincalide at intravenous doses of 0.04 microg/kg 3 times daily increased bile flow and improved serum bilirubin levels. However, patients with advanced liver disease did not respond to sincalide therapy. Long-term follow-up data on sincalide effects on liver disease progression are not yet available.

CONCLUSIONS

Sincalide improved the signs of cholestasis. However, its long-term effects in preventing and treating PN-associated gallbladder disease remain unknown and its routine use for this indication cannot be recommended at this time.