Natural [beta]-carotene for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis

July 28, 2004

Scientists have administered [beta]-carotene to patients undergoing endoscopic

retrograde cholangiopancreatography to see if its antioxidative properties can

help prevent pancreatitis.

Published online in the journal Pancreas, Dr A Lavy and colleagues have examined

the use of natural [beta]-carotene on the incidence of pancreatitis in patients

who have undergone endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

ERCP is a commonly used procedure writes Dr Lavy, with pancreatitis its most

common complication. As this injury may be mediated by oxidative stress, Dr Lavy

and his team hypothesized that it could therefore be ameliorated by

antioxidants, such as [beta]-carotene.

The scientists therefore conducted a double-blind trial, giving patients either

a single dose of natural [beta]-carotene, or else placebo, 12 hours prior to

ERCP.

Each patient was then monitored for 24 hours post-procedure and any

complications arising from the ERCP, as well as antioxidant levels and plasma

oxidation were all recorded.

The study showed that overall incidence of acute pancreatitis, according to the

definitions adopted by the study, was 9.6%.

A comparison of the incidence of pancreatitis between the control group and the

[beta]-carotene group showed there was little difference (9.4% and 10%

respectively).

However, 4 patients (2.22%) in the placebo group had severe pancreatitis, while

none did in the [beta]-carotene group, a finding that is statistically

significant.

The researchers conclude therefore that while they did not see a reduction in

the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis, there may be some protective effect of

treatment with [beta]-carotene regarding the severity of disease.

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