Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage
10:36

Probiotic Studies in Neonatal Mice Using Gavage

Published on: January 27, 2019

21.1K

Bifidobacterium and enteral feeding in preterm infants: cluster-randomized trial

Satsuki Totsu1, Chika Yamasaki, Masaki Terahara

  • 1Maternal and Perinatal Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.

Pediatrics International : Official Journal of the Japan Pediatric Society
|March 13, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Bifidobacterium bifidum supplementation in very low-birthweight infants accelerates enteral feeding establishment. This probiotic intervention also significantly reduced the incidence of late-onset sepsis without adverse effects.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal nutrition and gastroenterology
  • Microbiome research in infant health
  • Clinical trial methodology in pediatrics

Background:

  • Very low-birthweight (VLBW) infants (<1500 g) often face challenges with enteral feeding establishment.
  • The role of probiotics, specifically Bifidobacterium bifidum OLB6378, in supporting VLBW infant nutrition is under investigation.
  • Early enteral feeding is crucial for VLBW infant growth and development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of Bifidobacterium bifidum OLB6378 in accelerating enteral feeding in VLBW infants.
  • To assess the impact of B. bifidum supplementation on the incidence of morbidity and somatic growth in VLBW infants.
  • To determine the safety profile of B. bifidum in this vulnerable infant population.

Main Methods:

  • A cluster-randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 19 hospitals.
  • VLBW infants received either B. bifidum (B group) or placebo (P group) within 48 hours of birth.
  • Primary outcome: establishment of enteral feeding ( >100 mL/kg/day); secondary outcomes: morbidity and growth.

Main Results:

  • Enteral feeding was established significantly earlier in the B. bifidum group (11.0 days) compared to the placebo group (12.1 days).
  • The incidence of late-onset sepsis was significantly lower in the B. bifidum group (3.9%) versus the placebo group (10.0%).
  • No significant differences were observed in somatic growth or other adverse outcomes, including mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Bifidobacterium bifidum OLB6378 effectively accelerates the establishment of enteral feeding in VLBW infants.
  • Supplementation with B. bifidum is associated with a reduced risk of late-onset sepsis in VLBW infants.
  • B. bifidum administration is safe and well-tolerated in VLBW infants, with no increased incidence of adverse effects.
Abstract

Keywords:
establishment of enteral feedingnecrotizing enterocolitisneonateprobioticssepsis

More Related Videos

A Clinical Trial Assessing the Safety, Efficacy, and Delivery of Olive-Oil-Based Three-Chamber Bags for Parenteral Nutrition04:53

A Clinical Trial Assessing the Safety, Efficacy, and Delivery of Olive-Oil-Based Three-Chamber Bags for Parenteral Nutrition

Published on: September 20, 2019

10.1K
Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates08:32

Assessment of Intestinal Transcytosis of Neonatal Escherichia coli Bacteremia Isolates

Published on: February 17, 2023

1.7K

Related Concept Videos

Development of Human Microbiota01:30

Development of Human Microbiota

The human microbiota begins developing at birth and undergoes continual change as we age. Infancy marks a critical period of microbial sensitivity, offering a “window of opportunity” during which beneficial microbes help mature the immune system. By age three, children typically develop a more stable and diverse microbial community. Newborns acquire microbes from their immediate environment; vaginal delivery favors maternal vaginal microbes, while cesarean births favor microbes from...
61
Development of the Oral Microbiota01:28

Development of the Oral Microbiota

The establishment of the oral microbiome begins before birth, challenging the long-held belief that the fetal oral cavity is sterile. The presence of oral microbes such as Streptococcus and Fusobacterium in amniotic fluid suggests that microbial exposure may occur in utero, potentially through translocation from the maternal oral or gastrointestinal tract. This early colonization primes the neonatal immune system and sets the stage for subsequent microbial succession. Maternal health,...
65
Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding01:26

Enteral Nutrition I: Orogastric and Nasogastric Feeding

Enteral nutrition delivers nutrients directly to the stomach or small intestine through a tube. This method is appropriate for patients who cannot eat but still have a functioning digestive system. It is also beneficial for individuals with swallowing difficulties, anorexia, malabsorption, or those who have undergone gastrointestinal (GI) surgery.
Orogastric (OG) and nasogastric (NG) feeding are two standard methods used for enteral nutrition. Enteral nutrition is often preferred over...
3.1K
Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding01:15

Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding

Enteral nutrition encompasses various methods of delivering nutrition directly to the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, bypassing traditional oral intake. It is particularly beneficial for patients who cannot eat by mouth but have a functioning digestive system. Key methods include nasointestinal feeding, gastrostomy, and jejunostomy, each suited to different clinical scenarios based on the patient's needs and condition.
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube...
2.0K
Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract01:29

Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more...
55
Drug Delivery: Enteral Route01:18

Drug Delivery: Enteral Route

The enteral drug administration involves three primary routes: oral, sublingual, and buccal. Oral ingestion is the most prevalent, safe, economical, and convenient method for drug administration. However, it has certain drawbacks, including limited absorption due to the drug's low water solubility or poor membrane permeability, possible emesis from GI mucosa irritation, destruction of drugs by digestive enzymes or low gastric pH, and irregular absorption along with food or other drugs.
2.9K