Octreotide as a novel agent for the management of bronchorrhea in mechanically ventilated patients: A case series and review of literature

Abstract

Excessive bronchial secretions pose a challenge in mechanically-ventilated patients and may prolong the time to extubation, increasing the risk for pneumonia. Octreotide, a somatostatin analog, has been used to decrease bronchial secretions especially for the symptomatic management of patients with lung cancer. We describe three patients in the form of a case series and discuss effect of octretotide on bronchial secretions and management of bronchorrhea in the intensive care unit. Similar to reports of its utilization in palliative care in patients with lung cancer, we observed a clinically significant decrease in the rate of bronchial secretions.

Keywords

• Octreotide
• Mechanical ventilation
• Ventilator associated pneumonia
• Airway extubation