MWY Leung, NSY Chao, KKW Liu

Abstract

Purpose: Erythromycin is a prokinetic agent which enhances gastric smooth muscle contraction. In this study, we investigate the effect of short term erythromycin on children having dyspepsia symptoms. Methods: Eight children aged 7-18 with persistent dyspeptic symptoms were recruited. They all had abnormal dyspeptic symptom scores and electrogastrographic (EGG) patterns. All children were given erythromycin suspension 2 mg/kg thrice daily for 2 weeks. Results: All 8 children completed the 2-week course of erythromycin. Mean dyspepsia symptom scores before and after treatment were 6.75 and 4.63 respectively (p=0.025). Mean normogastria time in EGG before and after treatment were 65.87% and 77.58% respectively (p=0.012). After erythromycin, these eight children showed a significant difference between pre-prandial and post-prandial dominant power (46.00 dB vs 49.69 dB, p=0.017). None developed drug-related complication. Conclusions: EGG can demonstrate abnormal gastric myoelectrical activity in children having dyspeptic symptoms. Short-term erythromycin significantly improves the symptoms and EGG patterns of these patients.