[Preliminary observations on the clinical use of calcitonin. Treatment and postoperative prevention of pancreatitis].

Calcitonin was administered to 4 patients presenting with acute pancreatitis as well as to 6 patients presenting with postoperative pancreatitis. Prophylactic administration was performed in 3 cases consecutive to pancreatic interventions. Following calcitonin all patients showed considerable improvement of clinical course. Although 8 patients recuperated completely 2 patients died from independent complications. After prophylactic administration of calcitonin the postoperative course was uncomplicated without demonstrable increase in serum amylase. It is emphasized that only early case histories are reported; their verification will depend upon the results of a controlled survey presently being performed.