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Impact of oral probiotics on neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants

Melek Akar1, Zeynep Eras2, Mehmet Yekta Oncel1

  • 1a Division of Neonatology and.

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
|April 6, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Oral probiotics given to very low birth weight (VLBW) infants to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) did not impact neurodevelopmental outcomes. Cognitive, neuromotor, and sensory development remained similar between probiotic and control groups at 18-24 months corrected age.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Developmental Pediatrics
  • Microbiome Research

Background:

  • Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious gastrointestinal condition in premature infants.
  • Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants are at high risk for NEC.
  • Probiotics are explored for NEC prevention, but their effect on neurodevelopment is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the neurodevelopmental outcomes in VLBW preterm infants receiving oral probiotics for NEC prevention.
  • To determine if probiotic supplementation influences cognitive, neuromotor, and sensory development.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective follow-up of VLBW infants from a randomized controlled trial.
  • Neurodevelopmental assessment using Bayley Scales of Infant Development II at 18-24 months corrected age.
  • Evaluation of sensory and neurological performance via standard methods.

Main Results:

  • No significant differences were observed in neurodevelopmental, sensory, or neurological outcomes between the probiotic and control groups.
  • 400 infants completed the trial; 249 were evaluated for neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Early oral probiotic administration to VLBW infants for NEC prevention does not appear to affect neurodevelopmental, neurosensory, or cognitive outcomes.
  • Findings suggest probiotics for NEC prevention may not alter long-term neurodevelopmental trajectories in this population.
Abstract

Keywords:
Lactobacillus reuterineurodevelopmental outcomepreterm infantprobiotic

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