Effects of prophylactic probiotics supplementation on infants born very preterm or very low birth weight

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of guideline-driven prophylactic supplementation of a multi-strain neonatal intensive care unit-specific probiotic product on infants born very preterm (VP) or very low birth weight (VLBW).Study designA prospective cohort of 125 infants born in one year after implementation who received probiotics were compared to a retrospective cohort of eligible 126 VP or VLBW infants who did not receive probiotics. The primary outcome of interest was necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).ResultThe incidence of NEC decreased from 6.3 to 1.6%. After adjusting for multiple variables, there were no significant differences in primary or other outcomes of interest; odds ratio (95% confidence interval) NEC 0.27 (0.05-1.33), death 0.76 (0.26-2.21) and late-onset sepsis 0.54 (0.18-1.63). No adverse effects related to probiotics supplementation were observed.ConclusionAlthough nonsignificant, prophylactic probiotics supplementation in infants born VP or VLBW was associated with reduction of NEC.

Automated summary

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of prophylactic supplementation of a specific probiotic product on infants born very preterm or very low birth weight. The results showed that the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) decreased from 6.3% to 1.6%. After adjusting for multiple variables, there were no significant differences in primary or other outcomes of interest. No adverse effects related to probiotics supplementation were observed.