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Use of cyproheptadine in young children with feeding difficulties and poor growth in a pediatric feeding program

Ana M G A Sant'Anna1, Patricia S Hammes, Mafalda Porporino

  • 1*Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, and Feeding Disorders Program, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University †Feeding Disorders Program, Montreal Children's Hospital ‡Department of Psychology, Feeding Disorders Program, Montreal Children's Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|June 20, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Cyproheptadine (CY) effectively improved weight gain and feeding behaviors in infants and young children with poor growth. This study highlights CY as a safe therapeutic option when combined with multidisciplinary feeding programs.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nutrition
  • Pharmacology
  • Growth and Development

Background:

  • Poor growth and low appetite are significant concerns in pediatric feeding programs.
  • Cyproheptadine (CY) is a medication sometimes used to address these issues.
  • Assessing the efficacy and safety of CY in this population is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of cyproheptadine (CY) in infants and young children experiencing poor growth.
  • To document changes in weight and feeding behaviors among children treated with CY.
  • To compare outcomes in children receiving CY with a control group.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective chart review of children treated with CY between January 2007 and July 2011.
  • Data extraction included demographics, diagnoses, adverse effects, and feeding behaviors.
  • Weight-for-age z scores (WtZ) were analyzed using repeated-measures mixed models.

Main Results:

  • 82 out of 127 patients regularly took CY and reported positive changes in feeding behaviors (96%).
  • Significant improvement in mean WtZ was observed after initiating CY treatment.
  • Treatment effects were consistent regardless of patient age or underlying medical conditions.

Conclusions:

  • Cyproheptadine (CY) is a safe and effective treatment for low appetite and poor growth in pediatric patients.
  • Combining CY with a multidisciplinary intervention program enhances therapeutic outcomes.
  • This approach shows promise for improving nutritional status in young children.
Abstract

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