Epidermal Growth Factor Attenuates the Sclerotherapy-Induced Biomechanical Properties of the Oesophagus: An Experimental Study in Minipigs

Background: The effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the biomechanical properties of the oesophagus subjected to sclerotherapy was studied in Goettingen minipigs by means of impedance planimetry.Methods: Seventeen animals underwent three sessions of weekly endoscopic sclerotherapy. During these 3 weeks and for the subsequent 2 weeks they were treated with either EGF or placebo. After another 3 weeks an impedance planimetric study was done. Ten healthy non-sclerosed pigs were studied as controls. Impedance planimetry was performed by stepwise pressure-induced balloon inflation for analysis of oesophageal cross-sectional area 5 and 10 cm above the gastro-oesophageal junction (GEJ).Results: Systemic treatment with EGF (total daily dose of 30 μg/kg/day, administered sub-cutaneously) for 3 to 7 days per week combined with a weekly paravenous injection of 20-40 μg/kg attenuated the oesophageal damage caused by sclerotherapy, implying less pronounced narrowing 5 cm above and less dilation 10cm above the GEJ.Conclusion: These observations suggest a potential therapeutic role for EGF in attenuating sclerotherapy-induced oesophageal injury.