Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 14, 2026

Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs
08:58

Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs

Published on: October 31, 2025

670

Therapeutic effect of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 on feeding intolerance in preterm infants

Xuran Li1, Meng Xing1, Yinzhu Zhang1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Beijing United Family Hospital, Beijing, China.

Archives of Medical Science : AMS
|February 13, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Specific probiotics, Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, improved feeding tolerance in preterm infants. This intervention, combined with standard care, enhanced gastrointestinal recovery and promoted growth in vulnerable newborns.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Gastroenterology
  • Microbiology

Background:

  • Preterm infants possess immature gastrointestinal systems and underdeveloped gut microbiota, increasing susceptibility to feeding intolerance.
  • Feeding intolerance is a common complication in preterm neonates, impacting growth and increasing the risk of gastrointestinal issues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in managing feeding intolerance among preterm infants.
  • To compare the outcomes of standard care versus probiotic supplementation in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study involving 56 preterm infants (birth weight ≤ 1,500 g, gestational age > 28 weeks) between January 2016 and May 2022.
  • Infants were divided into two groups: Scheme A (standard care with feeding adjustments and oral exercises) and Scheme B (Scheme A plus Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938).
  • Outcomes were assessed via telephone follow-up for 3-6 months post-discharge, focusing on the transition to full enteral feeding and vomiting duration.

Main Results:

  • Scheme B demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the duration of transitioning from intravenous to full enteral feeding compared to Scheme A.
  • A significant decrease in the duration of vomiting was observed in preterm infants receiving Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938.
  • The overall treatment effect for feeding intolerance was significantly better in the probiotic group (Scheme B).

Conclusions:

  • Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, when used adjunctively with routine care, significantly improves outcomes for preterm infants with feeding intolerance.
  • Early restoration of normal feeding, supported by probiotics, can mitigate gastrointestinal complications and foster improved growth trajectories in preterm neonates.
Abstract

Keywords:
Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938intolerance of feedingpremature infants

More Related Videos

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates06:27

Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates

Published on: December 31, 2015

8.6K
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting14:43

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting

Published on: January 12, 2018

13.6K

Related Concept Videos

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)01:27

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) serves as the primary classification system for mental health disorders, providing standardized diagnostic criteria for clinicians and researchers. First published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1952, the DSM has undergone several revisions to reflect evolving psychiatric understanding. The fifth edition, DSM-5, released in 2013, introduced key updates that expanded diagnostic categories and modified diagnostic...
1.3K
Therapeutic Index01:13

Therapeutic Index

The therapeutic index of a drug is a key parameter in pharmacology that quantifies the relative safety of a drug by calculating the ratio between the dose that causes toxicity in half the population (50%) to the dose that proves to be effective for half the population (50%). It provides a spectrum of doses for a particular drug ranging from effective to potentially toxic. To illustrate, consider an anticoagulant agent like warfarin. It possesses a narrow window within its therapeutic index to...
6.9K
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children01:29

Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
328
Therapeutic Communication01:30

Therapeutic Communication

Communication is a lifelong learning process. Through therapeutic communication, nurses can collect relevant assessment data, provide education and counseling, and interact during nursing interventions. Sending and receiving messages occur through verbal and nonverbal communication techniques and can happen separately or simultaneously.
Verbal communication depends on language or a prescribed way of using words so that people can share information effectively. The critical aspects of verbal...
8.7K
Cholinergic Antagonists: Therapeutic Uses01:26

Cholinergic Antagonists: Therapeutic Uses

Antimuscarinic drugs have various therapeutic applications by inhibiting parasympathetic stimulation in different systems. Here are the key therapeutic uses of antimuscarinics:    
Respiratory Tract: Ipratropium, aclidinium, and tiotropium treat asthma, chronic bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They protect against bronchoconstriction caused by irritants like cigarette smoke, sulfur dioxide, and ozone. They also help reduce nasopharyngeal...
1.5K
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics01:29

Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics

Microorganisms play a fundamental role in vaccine development, gene therapy, and therapeutic production. Their biological properties are harnessed to advance medicine and public health. Beyond immunization, microorganisms contribute to gut health, antibiotic synthesis, and genetic disease treatment.Live Attenuated and Inactivated VaccinesLive attenuated vaccines, such as the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, utilize weakened forms of pathogens to closely resemble natural infections.
1.2K