RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF 3 INTERVENTIONS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PERSISTENT CRYING OF INFANCY

Objectives. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiven ess of three methods in the management of infantile colic. Methods. He althy infants with persistent crying were randomly assigned to one of three groups for a 2-week period. All groups received an assessment an d reassurance from a pediatrician and support from a public health nur se. Group 1 also received counseling regarding specific management tec hniques. Group 2 also received a car-ride simulation device. Group 3 a cted as a control. Mothers completed crying diaries and preinterventio n and postintervention anxiety questionnaires. Results. Thirty-eight m other-infant pairs were enrolled. Combining all three groups, there wa s a 24% reduction in daily hours of crying (P = .01) and a 18% improve ment in maternal anxiety (P < .001), but no significant difference amo ng groups. Conclusions. The natural history of persistent crying of in fancy is improvement over time. These specific interventions proved no better than reassurance and support alone in decreasing daily hours o f crying and maternal anxiety.