Incidence and Associated Factors of Infantile Colic in Thai Infants

Abstract

Purpose Infantile colic, a common functional gastrointestinal condition, causes distress and frustration in families. Its prevalence and incidence vary from community to community. The purpose of our study was to demonstrate the incidence of and factors associated with infantile colic in Thai infants. Methods We conducted a prospective analytic study to explore the incidence and factors associated with infantile colic in 386 Thai infants aged between one month and six months. Caregivers were interviewed using a questionnaire about infants’ symptoms of colic based on the definition from the Rome IV criteria. Family background and potential precipitating factors of colic were also evaluated. Results The incidence of colic in infants younger than 6 months was 6.5%. All infants’ colic started within 12 weeks of life and lasted approximately 6 weeks. Sex, gestational age, birth weight, delivery route, birth order, family factors, and parental factors were not correlated with the occurrence of colic. Infants who were exclusively breastfed for the first 2 months of life had a lower incidence of infantile colic than those who were mixed- or formula-fed (odds ratio=3.0; 95% confidence intervals=1.3 to 7.2). Conclusion The incidence of infantile colic in Thai infants in our study was 6.5%, which is similar to that in other reports. Being exclusively breastfed for the first two months was the only risk factor in our cohort.

Determinants of infant behavior and growth in breastfed late preterm and early term infants: a secondary data analysis

“…Although there is limited supporting evidence, previous studies have suggested that low-income mothers with less social support tend to have difficulty feeding their premature infant, possibly resulting in increased infant colic [17,39]. However, in two other studies, a protective effect of EBF on infant colic was reported within the first 2 months of life [11,40]. In other words, EBF can be associated with reduced infant colic.…”

Probiotics for infantile colic: Is there evidence beyond doubt? A meta‐analysis and systematic review

“…The HMOs metabolism by Bifidobacteria produces metabolites with potential host‐health effects, including alleviating pain associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as infantile colic 39 . A study conducted in Thailand in 2022 also demonstrated that infants exclusively breastfed for the first 2 months had a significantly lower incidence of infantile colic compared to those who received mixed feeding or formula feeding (Odds Ratio = 3.0; 95% confidence intervals = 1.3–7.2) 40 . The study suggests that breastfeeding may act as a protective factor against infantile colic.…”

“…39 A study conducted in Thailand in 2022 also demonstrated that infants exclusively breastfed for the first 2 months had a significantly lower incidence of infantile colic compared to those who received mixed feeding or formula feeding (Odds Ratio = 3.0; 95% confidence intervals = 1.3-7.2). 40 The study suggests that breastfeeding may act as a protective factor against infantile colic.…”

Prevalencia de cólico infantil: experiencia del grupo de trabajo en trastornos del eje cerebro-intestino de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Gastroenterología, Hepatología y Nutrición Pediátrica (SLAGHNP)

“…18 Nuestro factor protector para presentar CI fue la convivencia con los padres. Suklert y col. 8 encontraron en lactantes de Thailandia que aquellos que fueron amamantados exclusivamente durante los primeros 2 meses de vida tuvieron una menor incidencia de CI que los que recibieron alimentación mixta o con fórmula (OR = 3,0; IC95% = 1,3 a 7,2; p < 0,05). Nuestros factores de riesgo para presentar CI incluyeron ser asistido por un gastroenterólogo pediatra, de institución privada, tener un TECI en un familiar que conviva con el lactante y ser de raza mestiza.…”

“…Los criterios de Roma IV definen cólico infantil (CI) como el lactante menor de 5 meses de edad, sano, que presenta períodos recurrentes y prolongados de llanto, molestia e irritabilidad que ocurren sin una causa obvia y no pueden ser prevenidos o resueltos por sus cuidadores. 1 Su prevalencia está entre 1,9% y 19,2%, [2][3][4][5][6][7] relatándose como factores de riesgo: lactantes con alimentación mixta o con fórmula, 8 madre migrañosa 9 y con mayor nivel educativo, ser recién nacido con bajo peso al nacer 6 y haber nacido prematuramente. 10,11 Sin embargo, en Latinoamérica no han sido reportados ni su prevalencia ni los factores de riesgo.…”