Acute pancreatitis. Experimental evaluation of steroid, albumin and trasylol therapy.

The efficacy of steroids, albumin and Trasylol administration in the treatment of experimental pancreatitis was evaluated. An isolated, ex vivo, perfused canine pancreas preparation was used and pancreatitis was initiated by free fatty acid infusion. Steroid administration worsened pancreatitis, Trasylol had no effect, and albumin was markedly effective in ameliorating pancreatitis. These results were interpreted as evidence against enzyme extravasation and for capillary injury as the initial step in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis.