Risk factors of infantile colic

Abstract EN

Background: Infantile colic is a common problem in first months of life.

The etiology of infantile colic remains unknown, despite an abundance of research on the topic.

A difference in gut micro flora as well as diet could play an important role in the pathogenesis of colic.

Aim: Assessment of infantile colic in relation to its predisposing factors including gut microlfora.

To know impact of maternal diet on infantile colic.

Methods: Two hundred infants, aged 12.14±6.17 wk, free from episodes of gastroenteritis and without previous assumption of antibiotic and probiotic drugs, were enrolled in the study.

They were divided into two groups: Colicky (100cases) and non colicky (100 controls), according to Wessel's criteria.

Stool samples were collected, diluted and cultured on non selective and selective media to detect Gram negative anaerobe, Lactobacilli, Clostridium, Enterococci and Enterobacter.

Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test,x2 test and a non- parametric test (Mann- Whitney U-test).

Results: Of 100 colicky infants, thirty seven infants were first in order of birth.

Twenty two had positive family of atopy .Forty seven infants developed colic in the first week of life.

Maternal exposure to smoke was positive in 52% p(0.007).Lactating mothers of colicky infants consume more dairy products than lactating mothers of non colicky infants p(0.003).Ninety eight percent of colicky infants had positive culture for Gram-ve anaerobe and Enterobacter, and only 7% have positive culture for Lactobacilli.

Conclusion: Type of food consumed by the lactating mother plays a role in development of infantile colic.

It was also concluded that difference in the pattern of gut microflora between colicky and non colicky infants contributed in development of colic.

Further studies are required to understand the causes of infantile colic and its consequences.