Motilin and infantile colic. A prospective study

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Neonatology
• Pediatric Research

Background:

• Infantile colic affects approximately 17.4% of infants.
• The exact causes of infantile colic remain incompletely understood.
• Early identification of contributing factors is crucial for infant well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of S-motilin in the development of infantile colic.
• To determine if elevated S-motilin levels precede the onset of colic symptoms.
• To compare S-motilin levels in formula-fed and breast-fed infants with and without colic.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 219 infants from birth to 12 weeks.
• S-motilin levels measured in 78 infants (19 with colic, 59 without) at birth, 1 day, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks.
• Comparison of S-motilin levels between infants with and without colic, stratified by feeding type.

Main Results:

• Infants who developed colic showed significantly higher S-motilin levels in cord blood and at 1 day, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks of age.
• Both formula-fed and breast-fed infants with colic exhibited higher basal motilin levels compared to controls at specific time points.
• Elevated S-motilin was observed from the first day of life in infants who later developed colic.

Conclusions:

• Raised S-motilin levels from birth may indicate early gastrointestinal alterations in infants who develop colic.
• Motilin's role warrants further investigation as a potential early biomarker for infantile colic.
• These findings suggest a potential biological basis for colic appearing very early in infancy.