Randomized double-blind studies of polysaccharide gel compared with glue and other agents for hemostasis of large veins and bleeding canine esophageal or gastric varices

Background. The safety and efficacy of poly-N-acetyl glucosamine (p-GlcNAc) gels were compared with standard agents in three different dog studies to assess abdominal venous collaterals, bleeding esophageal varices, and bleeding gastric varices. Methods: Adult dogs with prehepatic portal hypertension and large abdominal venous collaterals, esophageal varices, or gastric varices were studied. Results: Significantly higher sclerosis rates were seen with F2 or F4 p-GlcNAc gels and standard sclerosants. F2 and F4 gels had high rates of permanent hemostasis, low rates of secondary ulceration, and significant reductions in esophageal and gastric variceal size. These results were either equivalent to or significantly better than the most commonly used gastric varix hemostatic agent (glue) or other sclerosing agents. Conclusion. F2 and F4 poly-N-acetyl glucosantine gels are promising therapeutic agents for venous and variceal hemostasis.