Deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins in long-term users of somatostatin analogue

H. -B. Fiebrich, G. van den Berg, I. P. Kema, T. P. Links, J. H. Kleibeuker, A. P. van Beek, A. M. E. Walenkamp, W. J. Sluiter, E. G. E. de Vries*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

47 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

P>Background

Somatostatin analogues are administered to control hormone hypersecretion in acromegaly and carcinoid patients. Somatostatin analogues can increase fat in the stools, which can lead to loss of fat-soluble vitamins. The effect of long-term somatostatin analogue use on vitamin levels remains unknown.

Aim

To investigate the prevalence of fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies in long-term somatostatin analogue users.

Methods

All acromegaly and carcinoid patients using somatostatin analogues for >= 18 months visiting the University Medical Center Groningen between December 2008 and April 2009 were eligible. Vitamin levels of fat-soluble vitamins in blood, clinical and vitamin-dependent laboratory parameters were collected.

Results

In all, 19 acromegaly and 35 carcinoid patients were included. Twelve patients experienced steatorrhoea; two carcinoid patients experienced night blindness. Forty-two (78%) were deficient for one or more vitamins, and 32% (n = 17) had multiple deficiencies. Deficiencies for vitamin A, D, E, K1 and E in erythrocytes occurred in 6%, 28%, 15%, 63% and 58% of the patients. Prevalence of vitamin D, E and K1 deficiencies was similar in both patient groups. Treatment duration did not influence vitamin levels. The length of intestinal resection and age correlated negatively with vitamin A levels.

Conclusions

Fat-soluble vitamin deficiencies are frequent during long-term somatostatin analogue treatment. Therefore, fat-soluble vitamins should be monitored in these patients.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1398-1404
Number of pages7
JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Volume32
Issue number11-12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1-Dec-2010

Keywords

  • NEUROENDOCRINE TUMORS
  • CHRONIC OCTREOTIDE
  • ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL
  • HUMAN-PLASMA
  • MANAGEMENT
  • GUIDELINES
  • ABSORPTION
  • RESECTION
  • CAROTENOIDS
  • LYMPHOCYTES

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Deficiencies in fat-soluble vitamins in long-term users of somatostatin analogue'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this