Continuous octreotide infusion for treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to portal hypertension in children: An observational study from pediatric intensive care unit.

Evaluate the usage of octreotide for the control of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in children with portal hypertension. A retrospective electronic database analysis of these children was performed over a period of five years. Setting was a tertiary pediatric intensive care. Case notes of 18 encounters in 13 children were reviewed. A loading dose (1.27 ± 0.76 µg/kg) was administered in seven, with median starting dose of 1.44 ± 1.19 µg/kg/h in all other episodes. The mean maximum dose was 1.68 ± 1.38 µg/kg/h. Re-bleeding occurred in one third; hemostasis was eventually achieved in all. Octreotide infusion appears to be safe and effective in controlling pediatric upper gastrointestinal bleeding due to portal hypertension. We also recommend its use in community and rural hospital settings prior to transfer of such patients to a tertiary care center.