Enhancement of Renal Function by a Long-acting Somatostatin Analogue in Patients with Decompensated Cirrhosis

The effect of the long-acting somatostatin analogue SMS 201-995 on renal function was investigated in nine cirrhotic patients with ascites, low urine output, low serum sodium, and normal serum creatinine. SMS 201-995, infused at 40 micrograms/h for 2 h, produced a significant increase in urine volume, a significant decrease in urine osmolality, and a significant increase in creatinine clearance. These changes, although less pronounced, persisted 24 h after the infusion of the analogue. No significant changes in free water clearance, urinary sodium excretion or serum sodium were noted. The effects of SMS 201-995 might be attributed to an improvement of renal haemodynamics through inhibition of vasoconstrictor systems acting in cirrhosis. It is concluded that SMS 201-995 may have a role in the treatment of the renal abnormalities complicating liver disease.