6 preterm infants with birth weights ranging from 790 to 1,040 g and gestational
ages of 26-35 weeks were given metoclopramide at a mean postnatal age of 35
days. The infants were selected only after fulfilling rigid clinical criteria. All infants were
spontaneously breathing and were on parenteral nutrition with 3 % Vamin and 10% Neutralipid.
Metoclopramide, 0.1 mg/kg/day, was given intravenously in three divided doses.
Progress was monitored using abdominal girth, gastric residual aspirate before each feed,
intestinal transit times, daily weight gain, number of episodes of vomiting or regurgitation
and assessment of tolerance to increasing amounts of feeds. Excellent response was seen in
all infants. Withdrawal of the drug led to prompt recurrence of all symptoms and signs
which again disappeared on reinstitution of the medication. No untoward side-effects were
noted during the administration of the drug. We conclude that, in selected cases, metoclopramide
may be used for persistent functional feeding intolerance and gastric stasis.
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