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Acute gastroenteritis in infants under 6 months old
1Regional Department of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Monsall Hospital, Newton Heath, Manchester.
Insights
For infants with gastroenteritis, immediate feeding with full-strength milk after rehydration is effective. Lactose-free formula can help manage lactose intolerance recurrence in babies.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Nutrition
Background:
- Gastroenteritis is a common cause of hospital admission in infants.
- Lactose intolerance can complicate recovery from gastroenteritis.
- Feeding strategies post-rehydration require clear guidelines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare gradual versus abrupt refeeding in infants with gastroenteritis.
- To assess the impact of refeeding methods on lactose intolerance recurrence.
- To evaluate effects on infant weight and hospital stay.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 62 infants under 6 months with gastroenteritis.
- Comparison of gradual refeeding versus abrupt refeeding post-rehydration.
- Monitoring for diarrhea recurrence, weight changes, and hospital duration.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in lactose intolerance recurrence between groups.
- 42% of infants experienced diarrhea recurrence, all responding to lactose-free formula.
- No difference in weight gain or hospital stay duration observed.
Conclusions:
- Well-nourished infants with mild to moderate gastroenteritis can be fed immediately with full-strength milk after rehydration.
- Lactose-free soya-based formula is an effective alternative for managing lactose intolerance.
- Immediate feeding strategies simplify infant care post-gastroenteritis.
Abstract:
Sixty two babies under the age of 6 months who were admitted with gastroenteritis completed a study of gradual refeeding compared with abrupt refeeding after a period of rehydration. There was no difference in the incidence of recurrence of diarrhoea due to lactose intolerance, effect on weight, or duration of hospital stay. Twenty six babies (42%) had recurrence of diarrhoea after refeeding, all of whom settled with the introduction of a lactose free soya based formula. Well nourished babies under 6 months of age with mild to moderately severe gastroenteritis can be fed immediately with full strength milk feeds after rehydration. The introduction of a lactose free soya based preparation may provide an alternative to repeated attempts at regrading with cows' milk feeds in those patients with lactose intolerance.