INTRAVENOUS PROSTAGLANDIN AND THE GALLBLADDER

Abstract

Various reports have associated intravenous prostaglandins with gastrointestinal side effects. It is possible that prostaglandins may also cause contraction of the human gallbladder and precipitate side effects in patients with gallbladder disease. To find out, the authors studied the effects of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on the radiological size of the gallbladder during oral cholecystography with 16 g. of Solu-Biloptin (calcium ipodate). PGE2 was slowly injected, under fluoroscopic observation of the gallbladder, in 12 patients (8 female and 4 male) who had no signs of gallbladder disease in films taken before a fatty meal was given. The PG was given in doses of 20 mcg, 50 mcg, and 75 mcg (4 patients in each dose group). New films were taken 15 minutes and 30 minutes after PG injection. An ordinary fatty meal (200 ml of cream) and a 4th set of films was taken 30 minutes later. Previously described radiography and measurement of gallbladder volume were undertaken, and spontaneously reported side effects recorded. Intravenous PGE2, regardless of dose, did not change the form or size of the gallbladder. After the fatty meal, gallbladder contraction was the same as in untreated patients. The 50 mcg dosage resulted in temporary distress in 1 patient, while the 75 mcg dosage caused dizziness, nausea, and collapse in 3 patients. There was no reported side effects after the fatty meal. It was concluded that clinical doses of PGE do not cause gallbladder contraction, nor do they interfere with normal response of the gallbladder to a fatty meal.