Effect of cisapride on gastric emptying in premature infants with feed intolerance.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effect of cisapride on gastric emptying and gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) symptoms in preterm infants with feed intolerance.


METHODS
Sixteen preterm infants (gestational age 24-35 weeks) with feed intolerance were enrolled in the study. Infants were randomized to receive 7 days of cisapride 0.2 mg/kg four times a day, immediately followed by 7 days of placebo or vice versa. Gastric emptying was measured using the [13C]-octanoic acid breath test prior to study entry and repeated on day 5, 6 or 7 after randomization and 5, 6 or 7 days after crossover. The symptoms of GOR were monitored during the study period using a standardized reflux chart. Weight was recorded daily.


RESULTS
There was no change in gastric emptying in infants prescribed cisapride (gastric half-emptying time (t1/2) 31.9 +/- 4.7 vs 34.2 +/- 3.9 min for placebo vs cisapride, respectively; P = 0.65). Infants on cisapride had slower growth and there was no change in reflux symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of cisapride in preterm infants with feed intolerance cannot be recommended.
Barnett
C P
CP
Neonatal Medicine Unit, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, Australia. barnettc@wch.sa.gov.au
Omari
T
T
Davidson
G P
GP
Goodchild
L
L
Lontis
R
R
Dent
J
J
Haslam
R R
RR
D001944:Breath Tests; D020117:Cisapride / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000379:methods; D019959:Feeding and Eating Disorders of Childhood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005746:Gastric Emptying / Q000187:drug effects*; D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D011336:Probability; D012016:Reference Values; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D005765:Gastrointestinal Agents; D020117:Cisapride