Effect of octreotide on small intestinal motility in HIV-infected patients with chronic refractory diarrhea.

Octreotide has been used to treat HIV-associated diarrhea. We aimed to assess the effect of octreotide on small intestinal motility in a group of HIV infected individuals with chronic diarrhea. Small intestinal motility was measured continuously for 48 hr by ambulatory strain gauge manometry in 12 HIV seropositive subjects with chronic diarrhea. During the second 24-hr period, intravenous octreotide was administered (100 microg every 8 hr). Postprandial and nocturnal fasting motility data were compared before and during administration of octreotide. Octreotide was associated with increased numbers of migrating motor complexes (MMCs) (7.25 vs 4.92, P = 0.03), and a relative decrease in the duration of phase II (22% vs 49.8, P = 0.03) during nocturnal fasting activity. Postprandial activity was absent in half of the subjects and the duration significantly reduced in the remainder. In conclusion, octreotide has a significant effect on small intestinal motility in HIV-infected individuals with diarrhea, which may influence intestinal transit.