Gastroenterology: Pharmacology - Other

Question 1

At what % of pancreatic enzyme secretion does steatorrhoea develop?

Answer 1

<10% of normal

Question 2

Mechanism of action of ursodiol

Answer 2

Naturally occurring bile acid
Decreases cholesterol content of bile by reducing hepatic cholesterol secretion
Aids dissolution of small cholesterol gallstones, also used in primary biliary cirrhosis (replaces other more toxic endogenous bile acids)

Question 3

Three classes of drugs used in management of variceal haemorrhage, and the mechanism of each

Answer 3

1. Octreotide (somatostatin): reduces portal HTN
2. Vasopressin and terlipressin: arterial vasoconstrictor
3. Non-selective blockers: decreased CO (B1 action) and splanchnic vasoconstriction (B2 action)