Radiology, Vol 203, 219-221, Copyright © 1997 by Radiological Society of North America
Relation of gastric distention to prostaglandin therapy in neonates
VM Kriss and NS Desai
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington 40536-0084, USA.
PURPOSE: To evaluate the short-term gastric effects of prostaglandin
therapy in neonates. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors retrospectively
reviewed the radiographs of nine neonates with congenital heart disease who
received prostaglandins during the 1st week of life. Eighteen matched
control infants (nine healthy neonates and nine infants with noncyanotic
congenital heart disease) who did not receive prostaglandins were also
evaluated. RESULTS: Within 48 hours of initial prostaglandin therapy,
persistent (>3 days) gastric distention was noted in four of nine
infants. No infants developed feeding intolerance during the 1st week of
life; two of nine infants (both with initial asymptomatic gastric
distention) developed feeding intolerance with prolonged prostaglandin
therapy. In all cases, gastric distention resolved with cessation of
prostaglandins. The radiographs of the control infants were unremarkable (P
< .01). CONCLUSION: Persistent, asymptomatic gastric distention can be
seen in neonates within 48 hours of initiation of prostaglandin therapy.
Intervention is not warranted; this finding resolves with cessation of
prostaglandins. Early gastric distention may be predictive of feeding
intolerance in infants who receive prolonged prostaglandin therapy.
