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Probiotics supplementation increases intestinal blood flow velocity in extremely low birth weight preterm infants

T Havranek1, M Al-Hosni, E Armbrecht

  • 1Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA. thavrane@slu.edu

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|March 24, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Probiotics supplementation significantly improved postprandial intestinal blood flow velocity in extremely low birth weight neonates. This finding suggests a beneficial effect of probiotics on gut circulation in this vulnerable population.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates are at high risk for gastrointestinal complications.
  • Intestinal blood flow is crucial for gut health and function in neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of probiotics supplementation on intestinal blood flow velocity in ELBW neonates.
  • To determine if probiotics enhance postprandial intestinal perfusion.

Main Methods:

  • Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving ELBW neonates.
  • Probiotics administered with enteral feeding until discharge or 34 weeks postmenstrual age.
  • Pulsed Doppler used to measure time-averaged mean velocity (TAMV), peak systolic velocity (PSV), and end diastolic velocity (EDV) preprandially and postprandially.

Main Results:

  • A total of 31 infants (15 probiotics, 16 placebo) were analyzed.
  • Significant postprandial increase in TAMV observed in the probiotic group compared to placebo (P=0.035).
  • Trends towards increased PSV and EDV in the probiotic group.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotics administration significantly enhances postprandial intestinal blood flow in ELBW preterm neonates.
  • Findings suggest a positive impact of probiotics on intestinal hemodynamics in this population.
Abstract

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