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Probiotic administration can prevent necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants: A meta-analysis
Christine S M Lau1, Ronald S Chamberlain2
1Department of Surgery, Saint Barnabas Medical Center, Livingston, NJ, USA; Saint George's University School of Medicine, Grenada, West Indies.
Journal of Pediatric Surgery
|July 29, 2015
Summary
Probiotic supplementation significantly reduces the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and mortality in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants. This intervention also speeds up feeding advancements, improving outcomes for these vulnerable newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a critical gastrointestinal condition affecting 6-7% of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants.
- Despite improved treatments, NEC survivors face significant long-term health challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in reducing NEC incidence and associated complications in VLBW infants.
- To analyze the impact of probiotics on sepsis, mortality, and enteral feeding progression.
Main Methods:
- A meta-analysis of 20 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving 5982 preterm VLBW infants.
- Literature search conducted across PubMed, Cochrane, and Google Scholar (1966-2014).
- Analysis focused on NEC incidence, sepsis rates, overall mortality, and time to full enteral feeds.
Main Results:
- Probiotic use decreased NEC risk by 49.1% (RR=0.509; p<0.001) and overall mortality by 26.9% (RR=0.731; p=0.009).
- A trend towards reduced sepsis was observed (RR=0.919; p=0.137).
- Time to full enteral feeds was shortened by 1.2 days (MD: -1.217; p=0.011).
Conclusions:
- Probiotic supplementation offers significant protection against NEC and mortality in preterm VLBW infants.
- Further research is needed to identify optimal probiotic strains, dosages, and administration protocols.
