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Effect of Bifidobacterium administration on very-low-birthweight infants

Chika Yamasaki1, Satsuki Totsu, Atushi Uchiyama

  • 1Department of Neonatology, Aiiku Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|April 18, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Early Bifidobacterium bifidum (B. bifidum) supplementation in very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants promotes growth without increased morbidity. The optimal timing for probiotic administration is within 48 hours of birth for enhanced benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Nutrition

Background:

  • Very-low-birthweight (VLBW) infants often face challenges with enteral feeding and gut microbial colonization.
  • Bifidobacterium bifidum (B. bifidum) is a probiotic bacterium with potential benefits for infant gut health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy and safety of early B. bifidum administration in VLBW infants.
  • To determine the impact of early probiotic supplementation on enteral feeding advancement and bacterial colonization.
  • To identify the optimal timing for initiating B. bifidum supplementation in VLBW infants.

Main Methods:

  • A single-center prospective pilot study involving 36 VLBW infants.
  • Infants were randomized into two groups: early (within 48h) and late (after 48h) B. bifidum supplementation.
  • Outcomes measured included feeding volume, bodyweight gain, bacterial colonization, and incidence of morbidities.

Main Results:

  • Early B. bifidum administration (Group E) led to significantly higher daily bodyweight gain compared to late administration (Group L).
  • Total feeding volume advancement was similar between groups, though slightly faster in Group E.
  • No significant difference in fecal Bifidobacterium levels was found, but the highest colonization occurred with supplementation between 24-48 hours.
  • The incidence of morbidities was comparable between the early and late supplementation groups.

Conclusions:

  • Early administration of B. bifidum appears to promote growth in VLBW infants during NICU stay without increasing morbidity.
  • The optimal window for initiating B. bifidum probiotic supplementation in VLBW infants is within 48 hours of birth.
  • Further research may explore specific B. bifidum strains and colonization dynamics.
Abstract

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