Experience of the use of octreotide for refractory gastrointestinal bleeding in a patient with Jarvik2000® left ventricular assist device

Seiko Nakajima-Doi, Osamu Seguchi, Yasuhiro Shintani, Tomoyuki Fujita, Satsuki Fukushima, Yorihiko Matsumoto, Yuka Eura, Koichi Kokame, Shigeki Miyata, Sachi Matsuda, Hiroki Mochizuki, Keiichiro Iwasaki, Yuki Kimura, Koichi Toda, Yuto Kumai, Kensuke Kuroda, Takuya Watanabe, Masanobu Yanase, Junjiro Kobayashi, Norihide Fukushima

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is among the major complications affecting implantable continuous-flow left ventricular assist device (iLVAD) recipients and is the major cause of re-hospitalization. GIB in iLVAD recipients is sometimes critical, and controlling bleeding using conventional approaches is difficult. A 35-year-old woman developed refractory GIB from multiple gastric polyps and de novo angiodysplasia after Jarvik2000® iLVAD implantation. Discontinuation of anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapies had little effect on GIB; thus, multiple endoscopic hemostatic therapies were performed. However, bleeding recurred several times, and red blood cell (RBC) transfusion in large volumes was required for progressive anemia. Furthermore, the von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimer analysis revealed loss of the high-molecular weight multimer, which may have resulted from the high-speed rotation of the axial-flow LVAD pump. To supplement VWF, cryoprecipitate was administered, but it was effective for only several days. Finally, the patient was treated with octreotide, a somatostatin analog, on post-operative day 58. After starting octreotide, tarry stool gradually decreased, and progression of anemia slowed down within the first 14 days of treatment; thus, the total RBC transfusion volume was reduced without additional hemostatic interventions, including cryoprecipitate administration. The patient developed mediastinitis on post-operative day 68 and died of sepsis on post-operative day 72. There was no adverse effect associated with octreotide use. Although the observation period was short, octreotide appears to be useful for resolving recurrent GIB after iLVAD implantation and reducing blood transfusions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)334-337
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Artificial Organs
Volume22
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01-12-2019
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Biomaterials
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Experience of the use of octreotide for refractory gastrointestinal bleeding in a patient with Jarvik2000® left ventricular assist device'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this