Immediate full strength feeding was associated with recurrence of symptoms mainly in children below 9 months
Comparison of two feeding regimens following acute
gastroenteritis in infancy
Placzek M, Walker-Smith JA
Journal of Paediatric Gastroenterology & Nutrition 1984; 3:245-8
Three-part Clinical Question
In children with gastro-enteritis is
gradual introduction of feeding better than immediate normal feeding with
regards to symptom control and time to resolution?
Search Terms
Medline 1966-09/01 using OVID interface.(exp
Gastroenteritis) AND (exp bottle feeding OR exp breast feeding OR exp feeding
methods OR " feeding".mp) LIMIT to human AND (newborn infant OR
infant OR preschool child OR child)
The Study
Non-blinded randomised controlled trial with intention-to-treat.
The Study Patients
48 inpatients, acute gastroenteritis, less than 18
months of age, gastroentritis only, not breast fed
Control group
(N = 25; 25 analysed): 24 hrs glucose-electrolyte mixture,
gradual increase from 1/4 strength milk, increase 1/4 strength every 24 hrs
Experimental group
(N = 23; 23 analysed): 24 hrs glucose-electrolyte
mixture, then full strength milk
The Evidence
Outcome |
Time to Outcome |
CER |
EER |
RRR |
ARR |
NNT |
Complicated clinical course= recurrence of either severe vomiting or watery diarrhoea with 2% or more reducing substances |
|
0.040 |
0.304 |
-660% |
-0.264 |
-4 |
95% Confidence Intervals: |
-100% to -152% |
-0.467 to -0.061 |
-17 to -3 |
Comments
Small numbers. Randomisation by alternate allocation
Appraised by
Nico Grunenberg, Ravenswood Surgery, New Road, Forfar, DD8
2AE; 28 November 2002
Email: peni.grunenberg@virgin.net