Effects of erythromycin on gastric emptying, duodeno-caecal transit time, gastric and biliopancreatic secretion during continuous gastric infusion of a liquid diet in healthy volunteers.
OBJECTIVE
Erythromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, has been reported to increase gastric emptying. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of intravenous erythromycin (150 mg/h) on gastric emptying, small intestinal transit time, gastric and biliopancreatic secretions during gastric infusion of a liquid diet in healthy volunteers.


METHODS
A randomized double-blind crossover study (erythromycin versus placebo).


METHODS
Gastric emptying rates of nutrients, gastric acid secretion, gastric pH, jejunal flow rates, as well as biliopancreatic secretions and duodeno-caecal transit time, were evaluated during a continuous infusion at 4.5 kcal/min of a nutrient solution (1 kcal/ml) in the antrum, over a 6 h period, by a perfusion method.


RESULTS
During the 6 h period, total gastric volume and gastric acid secretion decreased during erythromycin administration of 37 and 22%, respectively (area under the curves). Lipase outputs were significantly higher with erythromycin than placebo. Bile salt output was not significantly different between erythromycin and placebo. Duodeno-caecal transit time increased significantly during erythromycin infusion compared with placebo (191 +/- 12 versus 159 +/- 17 min; P < 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
During continuous gastric infusion of a liquid diet, intravenous erythromycin has a powerful effect on gastrointestinal function. The motor and secretory effects may enhance the tolerance and the efficiency of enteral nutrition in humans.
D000328:Adult; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts / Q000378:metabolism*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005526:Food, Formulated; D005744:Gastric Acid / Q000378:metabolism*; D005746:Gastric Emptying / Q000187:drug effects*; D005772:Gastrointestinal Transit / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D007262:Infusions, Intravenous; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal; D008049:Lipase / Q000378:metabolism*; D008297:Male
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D001647:Bile Acids and Salts; D004917:Erythromycin; D008049:Lipase