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Effect of cisapride on excessive regurgitation in infants
M Van Eygen1, H Van Ravensteyn
1Civil Hospital, Roeselare, Belgium.
Insights
Cisapride effectively treats infant regurgitation and vomiting by stimulating upper gastrointestinal motility. This study found cisapride significantly reduced symptoms in infants, with minimal side effects observed.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Infant regurgitation and vomiting are common issues.
- Upper gastrointestinal motility disorders can cause these symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate cisapride's efficacy in treating excessive regurgitation and vomiting in infants.
- To assess the safety and optimal dosage of cisapride for this condition.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 137 infants under one year of age.
- Infants received either placebo or cisapride (0.1-0.2 mg/kg) three times daily for up to four weeks.
- Regurgitation frequency and severity were primary outcome measures.
Main Results:
- Cisapride demonstrated a dose-dependent reduction in regurgitation frequency and severity.
- After four weeks, approximately 20% of infants on higher cisapride doses (0.15-0.2 mg/kg) had moderate to severe regurgitation, versus two-thirds on placebo.
- Observed side effects were primarily related to increased bowel motility.
Conclusions:
- Cisapride is an effective treatment for excessive infant regurgitation and vomiting.
- A four-week treatment duration appears sufficient to achieve therapeutic effects and minimize relapse.
- Cisapride shows a favorable safety profile for treating these common infant gastrointestinal issues.
Abstract:
The relevance of the upper gastrointestinal motility-stimulating effects of cisapride for the treatment of excessive regurgitation and vomiting in infants was studied in 137 patients aged less than 1 year. They were treated with placebo or with cisapride, 0.1 to 0.2 mg/kg three times daily, for up to four weeks. In a dose-dependent fashion, cisapride significantly reduced the frequency and severity of regurgitation: after four weeks of treatment at 0.15 to 0.2 mg/kg, only about 20% of infants still had moderate or severe regurgitation, compared with about two thirds of those treated with placebo. Although only a few patients were followed up, the duration of treatment (four weeks) appeared to be long enough to minimize relapse. Side effects were limited to phenomena indicative of stimulated bowel motility.