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 ci sapride on gastric emptying and QTc interval in very low birthweight infant s. Twenty low birthweight infants were studied: mean (SD) gestation 30.5 (2 .2) wk; birthweight 1320 (150)g. Gastric emptying was assessed ultrasonical ly 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 a nd-QTc interval (p < 0.05) compared to placebo. All infants completed the s tudy without any apparent adverse effects. In conclusion, low-dose cisaprid e administration significantly improves gastric emptying without increasing the QTc interval.