The effect of low-dose erythromycin on whole gastrointestinal transit timeof preterm infants

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of a low oral dose of eryt hromycin on whole gastrointestinal transit time [WGTT]. Erythromycin [EM] [ 1.5 mg/kg, 6 hourly] or placebo was given first over 7 days in a double bli nd randomized crossover study of 21 preterm, infants with feed intolerance. Median [range] birth weight was 1420 [690, 2200] g and postconceptual. age 32. 5 [20, 36.4] weeks. WGTT was assessed on day 3 of each treatment, by t iming the transit of carmine red through the gut. Treatments were compared using Student's paired t test. Results: WGTT was significantly shorter foll owing EM treatment as compared to placebo: mean [SD] 10.16 [4.6] h vs. 15. 9 [7.2] h, p <0.01. Conclusion: Oral low-dose EM significantly shortens WGT T of feed-intolerant preterm infants. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd . All rights reserved.