The Effect of Oral Lactase Enzyme on Infantile Colic in The First 4 Months of Life: A Prospective Case Control Study

Background: Common problem that usually happens during the first few months of childhood. The estimated prevalence of infant colic was reported 10-30% during 3-13 weeks of life in both breast-fed or formula milk babies. Objective: To determine the efficacy of lactase enzyme supplement in infant colic in the first 4 months of life. Patients and Methods: This prospective study attended at pediatric clinic at Sohag Teaching Hospital include 200 infants subdivided into 2 groups: Group A (100 cases): infants in this group treated by lactase enzyme LACTASE ENZYME SUPPLEMENT as 5 oral drops before maternal milk or 2 oral drops for every 20 cm of milk formula twice daily. Group B (100 cases): infants in this group are treated by the ordinary treatment of colics (placebo) in the form of abdominal massage and anti colics (e.g.: Simethicone, Dimethicone).Results: All infants in group A and group B reported normal abdominal US. Regarding X-ray in erect position, at group (A), 83% infants had gaseous distension, and 17% of them had marked gaseous distension. While at group (B), 88% infants had gaseous distension, and 12% of them had marked gaseous distension. There was no statistically marked differences between the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusion: We conclude that oral lactase drops may result in significant symptomatic relief in infantile colic in terms of reducing the crying and number of colic days.