Pentoxifylline Treatment in Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Q: Pentoxifylline may have a beneficial effect in acute pancreatitis?

A) Yes

B) No

Answer: A

Pentoxifylline is a nonselective phosphodiesterase inhibitor. There is a weak evidence that Pentoxifylline may have an adjuvant beneficial effect in acute pancreatitis, though objectively there was no improvement in inflammatory markers.

It may favor towards fewer ICU admissions and hospital length of stay (LOS). 

#GI

Reference:

Vege SS, Atwal T, Bi Y, et al. Pentoxifylline Treatment in Severe Acute Pancreatitis: A Pilot, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial. Gastroenterology 2015; 149:318.