ABSTRACT
Background: Although recent reports suggest that the use of probiotics may enhance intestinal functions in premature infants, the mechanisms are unclear, and open questions remain regarding the safety and its efficacy.
Methods: We conducted a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled study of 72 hospitalized preterm infants. They were randomly allocated to receive probiotics.
Result: Necrotizing enterocolitis (16.2% vs28.6%) was found less frequent in the probiotics group compared to the control group, this difference was not significant (p=0.16). Among the risk factors only neonatal risk was significant.
Conclusion: Probiotics administration might not be sufficient to decrease the risk for necrotizing enterocolitis.
Author name
Singh DS 1; Klobassa DS 2; Resch B 3; Urlesberger B 3; Shrestha BPR 3