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Probiotics reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants: a meta-analysis

Khalid Alfaleh1, Jasim Anabrees, Dirk Bassler

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, King Khalid University Hospital and College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. kmfaleh@hotmail.com

Neonatology
|August 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Probiotic supplementation significantly reduces severe necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and mortality in preterm infants. Further research is needed for extremely low birth weight infants.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a prevalent gastrointestinal disease in preterm infants.
  • Probiotic bacteria are live microbial supplements with potential host benefits.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of enteral probiotics for preventing severe NEC and other morbidities in preterm infants.

Main Methods:

  • A meta-analysis of nine randomized controlled trials involving 1,425 preterm infants (<37 weeks gestation).
  • Searches included MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and conference abstracts.

Main Results:

  • Enteral probiotics significantly reduced severe NEC incidence (RR 0.32) and mortality (RR 0.43).
  • No significant reduction in nosocomial sepsis or parenteral nutrition duration was observed.
  • No systemic infections were reported with probiotic use.

Conclusions:

  • Enteral probiotics are effective in reducing severe NEC and mortality in preterm infants.
  • Further large randomized controlled trials are necessary to assess benefits and safety in extremely low birth weight infants.
Abstract

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