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The effect of low-dose erythromycin on whole gastrointestinal transit time of preterm infants

C Costalos1, V Gavrili, V Skouteri

  • 1Department of Neonatal Medicine, Alexandra General Hospital Athens, 130 Artemidos Str, Paleo Faliro 17562, Greece.

Early Human Development
|October 20, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Low-dose oral erythromycin (EM) significantly reduces whole gastrointestinal transit time (WGTT) in preterm infants with feeding intolerance. This study found EM shortened WGTT compared to placebo, aiding infant digestion.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Preterm infants often experience feeding intolerance, which can be linked to delayed gastrointestinal transit.
  • Erythromycin (EM) is a macrolide antibiotic with prokinetic properties that may improve gut motility.
  • Understanding the effect of low-dose EM on gastrointestinal transit is crucial for managing feeding issues in neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the impact of a low oral dose of erythromycin (EM) on whole gastrointestinal transit time (WGTT).
  • To assess the efficacy of EM in preterm infants suffering from feed intolerance.

Main Methods:

  • A double-blind, randomized crossover study involving 21 preterm infants with feed intolerance.
  • Infants received either low-dose oral erythromycin (1.5 mg/kg every 6 hours) or placebo for 7 days.
  • Whole gastrointestinal transit time (WGTT) was measured on day 3 of each treatment arm using carmine red as a marker.
  • Statistical comparison was performed using Student's paired t test.

Main Results:

  • Erythromycin treatment resulted in a significantly shorter mean WGTT (10.16 hours) compared to placebo (15.9 hours).
  • The difference in WGTT between EM and placebo was statistically significant (p<0.01).

Conclusions:

  • Low-dose oral erythromycin significantly accelerates whole gastrointestinal transit time in preterm infants experiencing feeding intolerance.
  • EM demonstrates potential as a therapeutic agent for improving gut motility and managing feeding difficulties in this vulnerable population.
Abstract

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