Abstract
The hypothesis that the elimination of a critical type and number of intestinal bacteria decreases the incidence of NEC has been previously studied. A prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled trial of oral gentamicin 10 mg/kg/day QID for 10 days was conducted over 14 months in infants weighing ≤ 1500 grams at birth. Serial stool and oropharyngeal cultures were obtained. The diagnosis of NEC was made by the presence of intramural air on x-ray. “Suspect” NEC was diagnosed in infants with clinical signs consistent with NEC who were placed on NEC protocol for at least 5 days without developing intramural air. The following table summarizes the results:
The groups were comparable in sex distribution, birth weight, gestational age, Apgar scores and age at first feed. Oral gentamicin results in a significant delay in acquisition of gram negative intestinal flora without changing the previously reported prevalence at our institution of abnormal colonization (moderate-heavy growth) of S. Epidermidis or Klebsiella. Despite this statistically significant (P<.001) alteration of intestinal flora no difference in the incidence of NEC or “Suspect” MEC was seen.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mimnis, G., Schiminel, M., Miranda, J. et al. 1462 ORAL GENTAMICIN: PREVENTION OF NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS. Pediatr Res 19, 354 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01486
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01486
