Cisapride reduces postoperative gastrocaecal transit time after cardiac surgery in children.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the influence of the prokinetic drug cisapride on gastrocaecal transit time (GCTT) in children after open heart surgery.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized and controlled study.


METHODS
Interdisciplinary paediatric intensive care unit in a tertiary-care children's hospital.


METHODS
Twenty-one children with a median age of 6.2 years on day 1 after uncomplicated open heart surgery for isolated septal defects, acquired mitral or aortic valve disease or tetralogy of Fallot. Control group consisting of 10 healthy children with a median age of 8.1 years.


METHODS
Ten children were randomized to receive cisapride 0.2 mg/kg body weight, 30 min prior to measurement of GCTT.


RESULTS
GCTT was measured using hydrogen breath testing with a test solution containing lactulose and mannitol (0.4 g/kg and 0.1 g/kg body weight respectively). GCTT was markedly delayed in all patients compared to the control group. Within 8 h 8/10 patients in the treatment group versus 4/11 patients in the non-cisapride group achieved gastrocaecal transit. No adverse side-effects were observed.


CONCLUSIONS
Cisapride accelerates gastrocaecal transit after open heart surgery in children. In intensive care patients on inotropic support or opioid medication, it may facilitate the earlier reintroduction of enteral feeding.
Centre for Paediatrics, University of Bonn, Germany.
L
L
Bindl
S
S
Buderus
M
M
Ramirez
P
P
Kirchhoff
M J
MJ
Lentze
D001944:Breath Tests; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D020117:Cisapride; D004750:Enteral Nutrition; D005772:Gastrointestinal Transit / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D006859:Hydrogen / Q000032:analysis; D010277:Parasympathomimetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010880:Piperidines / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors
D010277:Parasympathomimetics; D010880:Piperidines; D006859:Hydrogen; D020117:Cisapride