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Randomised trial of different rates of feeding in acute diarrhoea
C Wan1, M R Phillips, M J Dibley
1Departments of Pediatrics and Clinical Epidemiology, West China University of Medical Sciences, Chengdu 610041, People's Republic of China. wangzy_76@hotmail.com
Insights
Feeding infants with acute diarrhoea more frequently with cows' milk significantly speeds recovery. This method also leads to greater weight gain and reduced stool output, making it a safe and effective alternative feeding strategy.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Nutrition
Background:
- Acute diarrhoea is a common childhood illness.
- Nutritional management is crucial for recovery.
- Optimizing feeding strategies can improve outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the impact of different feeding frequencies on recovery speed in infants with acute diarrhoea.
- To evaluate the efficacy of frequent versus less frequent feeding regimens.
Main Methods:
- A randomized trial involving 262 male infants (3-12 months) with acute diarrhoea.
- Infants received 0.452 MJ/kg/day of cows' milk in either 6 or 12 daily feeds.
- Outcomes monitored included stool frequency/weight, body weight, and complications for up to 14 days.
Main Results:
- Frequent feeding (12 feeds/day) significantly shortened diarrhoea duration (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.002-1.653).
- Infants in the frequent feeding group showed greater weight gain.
- Lower faecal frequency and weight were observed in the frequently fed group.
Conclusions:
- Frequent feeding of cows' milk is safe and more effective for recovery in adequately nourished infants with acute diarrhoea.
- While breastfeeding is preferred, frequent, low-energy-load feeds of cows' milk accelerate recovery.
- This feeding approach improves weight gain and reduces stool output during illness.
Objective:
To compare the effect of different feeding frequencies on the speed of recovery from diarrhoea.
Methods:
A randomised, non-blinded trial provided 0.452 MJ/kg/day as either 6 or 12 feeds of cows' milk each day to 262 hospitalised male infants aged 3-12 months with acute diarrhoea. Stool frequency, stool weight, body weight, and diarrhoea complications were monitored until recovery or for 14 days.
Results:
A proportional hazards regression model controlling for age, diarrhoea aetiology, and severity of dehydration on admission revealed that the frequently fed group had a significantly shorter duration of diarrhoea (hazards ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.002 to 1.653). Frequently fed infants had a significantly greater weight gain and significantly lower faecal frequency and faecal weight.
Conclusions:
Breast feeding remains the preferred method of feeding infants with acute diarrhoea, but feeding cows' milk to adequately nourished infants with acute diarrhoea is safe and is more rapidly effective if provided in frequent feeds with low energy loads.