Serum and biliary insulin-like growth factor I and vascular endothelial growth factor in determining the cause of obstructive cholestasis.

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma cells express and secrete insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).

Objective: To measure IGF-I and VEGF in bile and serum of patients with extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and to evaluate their performance as diagnostic markers.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Comparison of two dosing regimens of gabexate in the prophylaxis of post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Objectives: A continuous 13-h infusion of gabexate starting 30-90 min before endoscopic cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) can reduce postprocedural pancreatitis, the onset of which is generally observed within the first 6 h after ERCP. This study was designed to verify whether a 6.5-h infusion of gabexate was as effective as a 13-h infusion, at the same concentration, for reducing the incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis (primary endpoint) and pancreatic hyperenzymemia and pain (secondary endpoints).