The effect of low-dose erythromycin on whole gastrointestinal transit time of preterm infants.

Author(s): Costalos C, Gavrili V, Skouteri V, Gounaris A

Affiliation(s): Department of Neonatal Medicine, Alexandra General Hospital Athens, 130 Artemidos Str, Paleo Faliro 17562, Greece.

Publication date & source: 2001-12, Early Hum Dev., 65(2):91-6.

Publication type: Clinical Trial; Randomized Controlled Trial

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a low oral dose of erythromycin on whole gastrointestinal transit time [WGTT]. Erythromycin [EM] [1.5 mg/kg, 6 hourly] or placebo was given first over 7 days in a double blind randomized crossover study of 21 preterm infants with feed intolerance. Median [range] birth weight was 1420 [690, 2200] g and postconceptual age 32. 5 [20, 36.4] weeks. WGTT was assessed on day 3 of each treatment, by timing the transit of carmine red through the gut. Treatments were compared using Student's paired t test. RESULTS: WGTT was significantly shorter following EM treatment as compared to placebo: mean [SD] 10.16 [4.6] h vs. 15. 9 [7.2] h, p<0.01. CONCLUSION: Oral low-dose EM significantly shortens WGTT of feed-intolerant preterm infants.