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Oral probiotics prevent necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight preterm infants: a multicenter,

Hung-Chih Lin1, Chyong-Hsin Hsu, Hsiu-Lin Chen

  • 1Department of Pediatrics and School of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan. d0373@mail.cmuh.org.tw

Pediatrics
|October 3, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Oral probiotics significantly reduced death or necrotizing enterocolitis in very low birth weight preterm infants. Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus supplementation proved safe and effective in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal emergency in preterm infants.
  • Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are at highest risk for NEC and associated mortality.
  • Preventive strategies for NEC are crucial for improving outcomes in VLBW infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy of oral probiotics in preventing NEC in VLBW preterm infants.
  • To evaluate the impact of probiotic supplementation on mortality and NEC incidence.
  • To determine the safety profile of enteral probiotics in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, multicenter controlled trial involving 434 VLBW infants (<1500 g) in Taiwan.
  • Infants received either Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus (study group) or standard feeding (control group) for 6 weeks.
  • Primary outcome was death or NEC (Bell's stage ≥2); clinicians were blinded to group assignment.

Main Results:

  • The incidence of death or NEC (stage ≥2) was significantly lower in the probiotic group (1.8%) compared to the control group (9.2%).
  • Specifically, NEC (stage ≥2) incidence was reduced in the probiotic group (1.8% vs. 6.5%).
  • No adverse effects, including sepsis, flatulence, or diarrhea, were observed with probiotic use.

Conclusions:

  • Enteral administration of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus probiotics for 6 weeks effectively reduced the incidence of death or NEC in VLBW preterm infants.
  • Probiotic supplementation is a safe and beneficial intervention for preventing NEC in this high-risk group.
  • These findings support the routine use of probiotics in VLBW infants to mitigate NEC risk.
Abstract

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