ANTRODOODENAL MOTOR COORDINATION IN PRETERM AND TERM INFANTS

Abstract

We measured fasting antral motility and its relationship to duodenal motility in human infants, a phenomenon not previously studied. Using a previously validated pneumohydraulic manometric system (Ped. Res. 20:234A 1986), we recorded fasting antral and duodenal motility in seven preterm (30.9±1.4 wk) and two term (40.5±4.9 wk) infants. A three-hour segment was analyzed for: 1) presence of antral pressure waves (APW); 2) frequency (rate/min), amplitude (mm of Hg), and total number/hr; and 3) antroduodenal motor coordination. Motility index = log e (number of contractions X amplitude) +1. RESULTS: In preterm infants, the antral pressure waves occurred in clusters which did not coordinate with duodenal motility. In term infants, half of the antral motility was organized and coordinated. Characteristics of the clusters are shown (mean ± SEM): CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that antral pressure waves are present in premature infants but are not coordinated with duodenal motility; however, antral pressure waves are partially coordinated with duodenal activity by term and are associated with increasing duration and amplitutde.