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Current and future methods of probiotic therapy for necrotizing enterocolitis

Nitin Sajankila1, Samantha Jane Wala1, Mecklin Victoria Ragan1

  • 1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Center for Perinatal Research, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States.

Frontiers in Pediatrics
|March 20, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) prevention in premature infants remains a challenge. Probiotics show promise, but further research and product development are needed to establish clear guidelines for their safe and effective use in neonates.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe intestinal disease affecting premature infants, with high mortality and morbidity.
  • Current prophylactic measures are insufficient, creating a need for novel preventative strategies.
  • Probiotics are being investigated as a potential preventative therapy for NEC.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the current evidence on probiotics for NEC prevention in neonates.
  • To discuss the challenges and future directions for probiotic use in this population.
  • To explore next-generation probiotics and novel delivery strategies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on probiotics and NEC.
  • Discussion of current probiotic products, safety, and efficacy concerns.
  • Exploration of emerging probiotic technologies and delivery methods.

Main Results:

  • There is significant interest in probiotics for NEC, but no clear guidelines or FDA-approved products exist.
  • Evidence regarding the benefits of probiotics in neonates is inconsistent, with safety and efficacy concerns.
  • Next-generation probiotics and novel delivery systems may offer improved risk-benefit profiles.

Conclusions:

  • Probiotics hold potential as an effective NEC prevention strategy.
  • Further research and product development are essential to optimize probiotic use in preterm infants.
  • Addressing safety and efficacy concerns is crucial for clinical implementation.

Keywords:
NECdysbiosisgutintestinemicrobiomenecrotizing enterocolitisprobiotic

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