Octreotide for Management of Bronchorrhea in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

The purpose of this study is to determine whether administration of octreotide (12-25 mcg/hour) for 72 hours in combination with the standard of care treatment is effective in reducing bronchorrhea (excessive airway secretions) in mechanically ventilated patients. The use of this drug (octreotide) to manage bronchorrhea has not been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is used as an experimental drug in this research study. We are anticipating to enroll approximately 30 subjects in this study at Danbury Hospital, with 15 patients randomly assigned to the "Routine Care" group, which will serve as the control group, and 15 patients randomly assigned to the octreotide group. Control group will only receive the standard of care and will not receive this drug. Total subject participation in this study will be for 4 days (96 hours) or until their breathing tube is removed (extubation), whichever occurs first.