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Published on: January 27, 2019

Effects of probiotics on enteric flora and feeding tolerance in preterm infants

Soo Jeong Lee1, Su Jin Cho, Eun Ae Park

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Korea.

Neonatology
|March 23, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus in preterm infants led to gastrointestinal colonization in 37% and improved feeding tolerance. Further research is ongoing to explore effects on other systemic diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Preterm infants exhibit altered gut microbial colonization patterns.
  • Limited clinical trials exist on probiotic use in preterm infants.
  • Probiotics are live microorganisms conferring health benefits to the host.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the colonization rate of Lactobacillus in preterm infants.
  • To identify clinical factors influencing Lactobacillus colonization.
  • To assess the impact of probiotic supplementation on preterm infant health outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A study involving preterm infants (gestational age < 37 weeks) was conducted.
  • Oral supplementation with Lactobacillus acidophilus (10^8 CFU) was administered thrice daily.
  • Stool samples were collected pre- and post-supplementation for anaerobic culture and identification.

Main Results:

  • Lactobacillus colonization was achieved in 37% (27/73) of preterm infants after 14 days.
  • A trend towards increased sepsis incidence was observed in infants without Lactobacillus colonization (p=0.082).
  • Infants with Lactobacillus colonization showed significantly improved feeding tolerance.

Conclusions:

  • Lactobacillus colonization in 37% of preterm infants was associated with enhanced feeding tolerance.
  • Probiotic administration is a viable strategy for modulating gut microbiota in preterm neonates.
  • Further double-blind studies are warranted to investigate broader systemic effects.
Abstract

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