Effect of low-dose cisapride on gastric emptying and QTc interval in preterm infants.
The aim of the study was a prospective survey of the effects of low-dose cisapride on gastric emptying and QTc interval in very low birthweight infants. Twenty low birthweight infants were studied: mean (SD) gestation 30.5 (2.2) wk; birthweight 1320 (150)g. Gastric emptying was assessed ultrasonically in 15 of these infants, in a randomized blind crossover study, following 24-h low-dose oral cisapride administration (0.1 mg/kg given 8 hourly), or placebo. The QTc interval was also determined in all 20 infants following a 7-d course of cisapride or placebo.


CONCLUSIONS
Cisapride significantly shortened both gastric emptying time and QTc interval (p < 0.05) compared to placebo. All infants completed the study without any apparent adverse effects. In conclusion, low-dose cisapride administration significantly improves gastric emptying without increasing the QTc interval.
Costalos
C
C
Department of Neonatal Medicine, Regional General Hospital of Piraeus, Greece.
Gounaris
A
A
Varhalama
E
E
Kokori
F
F
Alexiou
N
N
Katsarakis
I
I
D000284:Administration, Oral; D020117:Cisapride / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005746:Gastric Emptying / Q000187:drug effects*; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013270:Stomach / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014463:Ultrasonography
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D020117:Cisapride