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Use of Glucagon in the Treatment of Acute Diverticulitis

Br Med J 1974; 3 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.3.5933.720 (Published 21 September 1974) Cite this as: Br Med J 1974;3:720

This article has a correction. Please see:

  1. O. Daniel,
  2. P. K. Basu,
  3. H. M. Al-Samarrae

    Abstract

    Glucagon given intravenously to 20 patients with acute diverticulitis was followed by symptomatic relief within an average of 12 hours and obviated the need for therapy with analgesics or other antispasmodics. In a similar group of patients receiving conventional treatment symptoms persisted for an average of 96 hours. The administration of glucagon had no apparent effect on abdominal symptoms which mimicked those of diverticulitis but were caused by other conditions. There was no clinically apparent difference in effectiveness between continuous infusion and intermittent injection of glucagon.