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Published on: September 20, 2019
Double-blind comparative trial with 2 antiregurgitation formulae
Y Vandenplas1, B Leluyer, M Cazaubiel
1UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium. yvan.vandenplas@uzbrussel.be
Insights
Two antiregurgitation formulas (ARF) effectively reduced infant regurgitation. ARF-2, containing specific whey hydrolysate, demonstrated superior efficacy in decreasing both the frequency and volume of regurgitation compared to ARF-1.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Infant Nutrition
- Clinical Trial Research
Background:
- Infant regurgitation is a common concern for mothers seeking medical advice.
- Current guidelines suggest reassurance and dietary modifications as initial management strategies.
- The study aimed to evaluate and compare two specific antiregurgitation formulas (ARF).
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy of two different antiregurgitation formulas (ARF) in managing infant regurgitation.
- To compare the effectiveness of ARF-1 (nonhydrolyzed protein, locust bean gum) against ARF-2 (specific whey hydrolysate, locust bean gum, specially treated starch).
Main Methods:
- A prospective, double-blind, randomized cross-over trial was conducted over one month.
- 115 formula-fed infants aged 2 weeks to 5 months participated.
- The primary outcome measured was the incidence of regurgitation.
Main Results:
- Both ARF significantly reduced the mean number of regurgitation episodes.
- ARF-2 showed a statistically significant greater reduction in regurgitation volume compared to ARF-1 (P = 0.0265).
- No significant differences in stool frequency or consistency were observed between the two formulas.
Conclusions:
- Both tested antiregurgitation formulas proved effective in reducing infant regurgitation.
- ARF-2 was statistically more effective than ARF-1 in managing regurgitation.
- Comparative studies are crucial for identifying optimal therapeutic options for infant feeding issues.
Background And Aim:
Many mothers consult physicians because of frequent infant regurgitation. Guidelines recommend reassurance and dietary treatment as first approaches. The aim of the present study was to test and compare the efficacy of 2 antiregurgitation formulae (ARF).
Methods:
A prospective, double-blind, randomized cross-over trial was performed for a 1-month period in 115 formula-fed infants (ages 2 weeks-5 months) comparing 2 ARF (ARF-1: nonhydrolyzed protein, locust bean gum; ARF-2: specific whey hydrolysate, locust bean gum, specially treated starch). The primary endpoint was the incidence of regurgitation.
Results:
At inclusion, mean age was 9.1 weeks; anthropometric parameters did not differ between the groups. According to the intention-to-treat analysis, the mean number of episodes of regurgitation decreased from 8.25 to 2.32 with ARF-1 and to 1.89 with ARF-2 (statistically significant difference between both ARF, P = 0.0091). The mean score of regurgitated volume decreased significantly more with ARF-2 than with ARF-1 (P = 0.0265). There was no significant difference in stool frequency and consistency between both groups.
Conclusions:
The efficacy of both ARF was demonstrated by the decreased number and volume of regurgitations. ARF-2 was statistically more effective than ARF-1. Comparative trials enable the selection of the best therapeutic option.
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