Effects of in-utero erythromycin exposure on the neonatal feeding pattern

Problem Considered Erythromycin exposure during pregnancy has been associated with adverse neonatal outcomes such as infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis and cardiovascular abnormalities. However, its impact on neonatal feeding patterns remains unexplored. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted. on neonates admitted to the NICU at the Women's Wellness and Research Center between January 2015 and December 2020. The study included neonates whose mothers' received erythromycin during pregnancy. Clinical and laboratory data were analyzed to assess feeding intolerance indicators and their association with in-utero erythromycin exposure. Results Out of 192 neonates (107 male, 85 female), 64 were exposed to erythromycin, and 128 served as controls. Among six feeding intolerance indicators, only ">1 week to reach full feeding" showed a statistically significant difference (p=0.017). Erythromycin-exposed neonates had shorter hospital stays (5.2 vs. 22.5 days) and higher gestational age (37.92 vs. 36.1 weeks). A significant positive correlation was found between feeding residual >50% Score and GI Dye Study Score (r = 0.49; p < 0.001) in the exposed group. Conclusion In-utero erythromycin exposure was not linked to increased feeding intolerance in neonates. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms and clinical implications of erythromycin's impact on neonatal feeding behavior.