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Effect of Erythromycin on Gastric Emptying Time of Low Birth Weight Babies

S S Mathai1, K S Bawa2, A Bhandari3

  • 1Associate Professor (Paediatrics), Armed Forces Medical College, Pune-411040.

Medical Journal, Armed Forces India
|July 14, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Low dose erythromycin safely reduced gastric emptying time in preterm neonates. This intervention was effective in babies born after 34 weeks of gestation, with no observed side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pharmacology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Investigating the impact of low-dose erythromycin on gastric emptying in low birth weight (LBW) neonates.
  • Assessing effects in neonates receiving breast milk, supplements, or human milk fortifier (HMF).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the promotility effects of low-dose erythromycin on gastric emptying time (GET) in LBW neonates.
  • To determine safety and efficacy in different feeding regimens.

Main Methods:

  • Randomized control trial with 50 neonates receiving oral erythromycin (6mg/kg/day) or placebo for four days.
  • Gastric emptying time (GET) assessed via ultrasonography measuring antral cross-sectional area (ACSA).
  • Side effects and feeding type (breast milk, supplements, HMF) were monitored.

Main Results:

  • Erythromycin significantly decreased GET in the test group, particularly in preterm infants born after 34 weeks gestation.
  • The reduction in GET was observed with breast milk alone and with supplements, but not with HMF.
  • No adverse side effects were reported during the intervention.

Conclusions:

  • Low-dose erythromycin is a safe and effective method for reducing gastric emptying in preterm neonates.
  • The benefits were most pronounced in infants born after 34 weeks gestation within the first two weeks of life.
Abstract

Keywords:
Gastric emptying timeLow birth weightLow dose erythromycin

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