Small volume enemas do not accelerate meconium evacuation in very low birth weight infants

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2007 Feb;44(2):270-3. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0b013e31802c685a.

Abstract

We hypothesized that small volume enemas accelerate meconium evacuation in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. In a randomized controlled trial, VLBW infants (n = 81) received either repeated daily small volume enemas if complete spontaneous meconium passage failed within 24 h or no intervention. Small volume enemas did not accelerate complete meconium evacuation, which occurred after 6.0 to 9.6 (95% CI) d in the intervention group and after 7.7 to 11.0 (95% CI) d in the control group. No adverse events were observed. Daily administration of small volume enemas had no effect on total meconium evacuation defined by the time of last meconium passage.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Defecation*
  • Enema*
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Infant, Premature, Diseases
  • Infant, Very Low Birth Weight*
  • Intestinal Obstruction / prevention & control*
  • Meconium*
  • Time Factors