Abstract:OBJECTIVE: This study examined the changes of the gastric motility and the therapeutic effect of domperidone in children with anorexia. METHODS: Forty-five children with anorexia were given a 3 week-course of oral domperidone, with a dosage of 0.3 mg/kg, three times daily. Before and after treatment the gastric emptying test was performed through the real-time ultrasonography in 42 out of the 45 patients. Thirty healthy children served as controls. RESULTS: There were significant differences in the gastric emptying half-time (GET 1/2), and the frequency and amplitude of antral contractions between the children with anorexia and healthy controls. After domperidone treatment, the GET 1/2 was shortened and the frequency and amplitude of antral contractions were significantly increased in children with anorexia. Their clinical symptoms improved markedly. CONCLUSIONS: The abnormalities of gastric motility might be associated with the development of anorexia. Domperidone was found to be effective in the treatment of childhood anorexia.
