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Early administration of Bifidobacterium breve to preterm infants: randomised controlled trial
H Kitajima1, Y Sumida, R Tanaka
1Osaka Medical Center, Japan.
Insights
Bifidobacterium breve effectively colonizes the immature bowels of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants. This probiotic intervention improved weight gain and reduced abdominal issues in VLBW infants.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Neonatal Research
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Very low birthweight (VLBW) infants often have immature intestinal systems.
- Establishing a healthy gut microbiome is crucial for VLBW infant development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the colonization of Bifidobacterium breve in VLBW infants.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of B. breve administration in this population.
Main Methods:
- A preliminary study assessed adverse effects in 66 VLBW infants.
- A prospective randomized clinical study followed 91 VLBW infants for three years.
- Bacterial colonization was quantified using immunohistochemical staining of stool specimens.
Main Results:
- No adverse effects were observed with B. breve administration.
- Colonization rates reached 73% at two weeks in the B. breve group, compared to 12% in controls.
- Early B. breve administration significantly reduced stomach air volume and improved weight gain.
Conclusions:
- Bifidobacterium breve effectively colonizes the immature bowel of VLBW infants.
- Administration of B. breve is associated with improved weight gain and fewer abnormal abdominal signs.
- B. breve may stabilize intestinal flora, enabling accelerated feeding schedules in VLBW infants.
Aim:
To investigate the colonisation with Bifidobacterium breve of the bowels of very low birthweight (VLBW) infants.
Methods:
The adverse effects of B breve were examined in 66 VLBW infants (preliminary study). A prospective randomised clinical study of 91 VLBW infants was also completed and these infants were followed up for three years. Precise viable bacterial counts of serial stool specimens were examined for the first eight weeks after birth in 10 infants. The colonisation rates of administered bacteria were examined using immunohistochemical staining of stool specimens with a B breve specific monoclonal antibody.
Results:
In the preliminary study there were no side effects attributable to the bacteria. Immunohistochemical staining of stool specimens showed that the colonisation rates of the administered bacteria were 73% at 2 weeks of age, but only 12% in the control group. Early administration of B breve significantly decreased aspirated air volume from the stomach and improved weight gain.
Conclusions:
B breve can colonise the immature bowel very effectively and is associated with fewer abnormal abdominal signs and better weight gain in VLBW infants, probably as a result of stabilisation of their intestinal flora and accelerated feeding schedules.