Oral Probiotics to Prevent Necrotizing Enterocolitis

A mixture of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum lowered the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis in very-low-birth-weight premature infants.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating intestinal condition primarily affecting very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) premature newborns. Some studies have linked it to feeding practices. Evidence from two clinical trials suggests that orally administered probiotics reduce the incidence of NEC in VLBW infants, but the optimal strains, dosage, duration, and timing of treatment have not been determined. Now, in a prospective, blinded study conducted from April 2005 through May 2007 at seven neonatal ICUs in Taiwan, researchers have explored this issue further.

A total of 443 VLBW premature infants (gestational age, <34 weeks; birth weight, <1500 g) without other preexisting conditions who had no major anomalies and survived to start enteral f…

Reviewing Author

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Robert S. Baltimore, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsInfectious Diseases in Children

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesMember Committee on Rheumatic Fever, Endocarditis and Kawasaki Disease

Oral Probiotics to Prevent Necrotizing Enterocolitis

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Reviewing Author