Probiotics Prevent Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Should they become standard of care?

Numerous studies suggest that probiotics prevent the development of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants (JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Mar 26 2008). In an updated meta-analysis of data from 11 randomized clinical trials, including 4 recent trials, and involving 2176 preterm infants with birth weights <1500 g, investigators found that infants treated with probiotics were significantly less likely to develop NEC (relative risk, 0.35; number needed to treat [NNT], 25) and to die from any cause (RR, 0.42; NNT, 20). Probiotics were not associated with increased risk for culture-positive sepsis.

Reviewing Author

Howard Bauchner, MD

Disclosures

Grant / research supportHuman Resources and Services Administration; NIH; NIH-NHLBI; USDA; GlaxoSmithKline

Editorial boardsArchives of Disease in Childhood (Editor-in-Chief)

Howard Bauchner, MD

Disclosures

Grant / research supportHuman Resources and Services Administration; NIH; NIH-NHLBI; USDA; GlaxoSmithKline

Editorial boardsArchives of Disease in Childhood (Editor-in-Chief)

Probiotics Prevent Necrotizing Enterocolitis

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Reviewing Author