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Published on: January 27, 2019
Effects of Metoclopramide on Feeding Intolerance among Preterm Neonates; A Randomized Controlled Trial
Mirhadi Mussavi1, Khairollah Asadollahi2, Ghobad Abangah3
1Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medicine, Tabriz.
Insights
Intravenous metoclopramide significantly reduced time to full enteral feeding and withheld feedings in preterm neonates with feeding intolerance. This study found no adverse effects, suggesting metoclopramide is a safe treatment option.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Clinical Pharmacology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Feeding intolerance is a common complication in preterm neonates.
- Effective management strategies are crucial for improving outcomes in this vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the efficacy and safety of intravenous metoclopramide for treating feeding intolerance in preterm neonates (less than 36 weeks gestational age).
Main Methods:
- A randomized, controlled, masked cross-over study design.
- Participants received either intravenous metoclopramide or placebo before feeding.
- Key outcomes included time to full enteral feeding, adverse events, hospital stay, and incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or septicemia.
Main Results:
- Metoclopramide group achieved full enteral feeding significantly faster (12.9±5.6 days) than the placebo group (17.0±6.3 days).
- The number of withheld feedings was significantly lower in the metoclopramide group.
- Regression analysis indicated metoclopramide use was associated with improved feeding parameters and no observed adverse effects.
Conclusions:
- Intravenous metoclopramide may be a beneficial treatment for facilitating enteral feeding in preterm neonates with feeding intolerance.
- The drug demonstrated a favorable safety profile in this study population.
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of metoclopramide in the treatment of feeding intolerance in preterm neonates less than 36 weeks of gestational age.
Methods:
A randomized, controlled, masked cross-over study. A block of 4 randomizations was used. The "drug group" received intravenous metoclopramide before feeding and placebo group received placebo at the same time. The time to full enteral feeding and suspected adverse effects of metoclopramide, length of hospital stay or incidence of NEC or septicemia were the main outcome measures.
Findings:
Mean (standard deviation) of weight and Apgar score among metoclopramide and placebo groups were 1638.3±321 gr, 8.9±1.4 and 1593.3±318.8 gr, 8.8±1.3 respectively. Times to full feeding were significantly shorter in the metoclopramide group than in the control group (12.9±5.6 vs 17.0±6.3; P<0.0001) and also the numbers of withheld feedings were significantly lower (P<0.0001). According to the regression analysis, lower weight and placebo group were significantly related to increasing of lavage frequency, number of vomits, start time of feeding, number of feeding cessations and decreased feeding completion time (P<0.0001).No adverse effects of this treatment modality were observed in the two groups.
Conclusion:
Intravenous metoclopramide may be considered as an attempt in facilitating and treatment of feeding intolerance in preterm neonates.
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