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Prebiotics for the management of hyperbilirubinemia in preterm neonates

Amir Mohammad Armanian1,2, Behzad Barekatain1,2, Maryam Hoseinzadeh1

  • 1a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , Isfahan University of Medical Sciences , Isfahan , Iran .

The Journal of Maternal-Fetal & Neonatal Medicine : the Official Journal of the European Association of Perinatal Medicine, the Federation of Asia and Oceania Perinatal Societies, the International Society of Perinatal Obstetricians
|October 30, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Prebiotic oligosaccharides significantly reduced bilirubin levels in preterm neonates. This intervention also improved stool frequency and feeding tolerance, suggesting its efficacy in managing neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is a common condition in preterm infants.
  • Effective management strategies are crucial to prevent potential complications.
  • Prebiotics are known to modulate gut microbiota and may influence bilirubin metabolism.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of prebiotic oligosaccharides in managing hyperbilirubinemia in preterm neonates.
  • To assess the impact of prebiotics on stool frequency and feeding tolerance.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial was conducted with preterm neonates receiving enteral feeding.
  • Participants were assigned to receive either a mixture of short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides/long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides or a placebo for one week.
  • Total serum bilirubin levels, stool frequency, and achievement of full enteral feeding were measured.

Main Results:

  • Prebiotic administration led to a significant decrease in total serum bilirubin levels compared to placebo.
  • Peak bilirubin levels were significantly lower in the prebiotic group.
  • The prebiotic group showed increased stool frequency and a higher rate of achieving full enteral feeding.

Conclusions:

  • Prebiotic oligosaccharides are effective in reducing bilirubin levels in preterm neonates.
  • Prebiotics improve gastrointestinal function, including increased stool frequency and enhanced feeding tolerance.
  • Prebiotic supplementation represents a promising therapeutic approach for neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
Abstract

Keywords:
Jaundiceneonatal hyperbilirubinemiaprebioticspremature infantprobiotics

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