Analgesic Effect of Sugar Solution in Infantile Colic

PURPOSE: Infantile colic is one of the most commonly encountered problems, characterized by excessive crying in apparently healthy young infants within the first 3 months of life. It is commonly assumed that the infant with colic has distress and possible pain. In recent investigations, it has been found that sucrose has an analgesic effect in newborn infants. The purpose of this study is to examine if sugar solution as sucrose also has an analgesic effect on infant colic. METHODS: This prospective randomized, double-blind placebo controlled study examined healthy term infants aged 4 to 12 weeks with colic. A total of 40 infants were randomly assigned into two groups who visited Daedong Hospital from June 1999 to June 2001. Each group received sugar solution or sterile water. All data from parental diaries and interviews were recorded and analysed blindly. RESULTS: The daily crying time and the colic improvement score were significantly better in sugar solution group as compared with the control(P=0.019, 0.045). No significant differences were noted between groups regarding the number of night wakenings(P=0.173). CONCLUSION: We conclude that sugar solution has an analgesic effect on infantile colic.

Evaluation of Imaging Studies in Male Infants less than 3 Months after First Urinary Tract Infection

PURPOSE : To evaluate the frequency of urinary tract anomalies in male neonates less than 3months old who presented with urinary tract infection(UTI) and to evaluate a appropriate imaging approach after first UTI. MATERIALS AND METHODS : During a period of 5 years, from March 1994 to February 1999, 65 male infants less than 3months old(range: 4-92 days, mean: 43 days) with UTI were evaluated. Ultrasound(US) and Voiding cystourethrogram(VCUG) were done in 60 patients. Due to refusal and technological problem, 5 patients were missed. 99mTc-dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan (99mTc-DMSA renal scan) was recommended to most patients but performed in 40 patients. Renal scan was performed at least 3 months later after urinary tract infection. RESULTS : Urinary tract anomalies were found in 26 of 65 infants. Twenty-six had vesicoureteral reflux(VUR), two had both VUR and double ureter, two had both VUR and posterior urethral valve. In patients with VUR, eight had renal scar or renal atrophies. In case of renal scar or atrophy, grades of VUR were III or above. CONCLUSION : We suggest that US and VCUG should be routinely performed in infants(<3months)with first UTI. 99mTc-DMSA renal scan should be performed only when renal parenchymal damage was observed in US and VUR grade III or above in VCUG.