Effects of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in preterm infants: a double-blinded randomized controlled study

BackgroundPreterm infants have immature gastrointestinal tracts and poor immunity. In this study, the effects of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 first on early feeding tolerance, growth, and second on infection prevention in preterm infants were evaluated.MethodsOne hundred fourteen formula-fed preterm infants with a gestational age between 30weeks and 37weeks, and a birth weight between 1500 and 2000g were enrolled; 57 in the intervention and 57 in the control group:the intervention group was given a dose of 1x10(8) colony-forming units (5 drops) of L. reuteri DSM 17938 once daily, beginning with the first feeding until discharge. The control group did not receive probiotics. Early feeding tolerance (as time to full enterla feeding and number of reflux), growth, incidences of sepsis, localized infection, NEC, and adverse effects were recorded for both groups.ResultsThe number of Daily reflux episodes (times/d) was lower (2.180.83 vs. 3.770.66, P<0.01) and time to full enteral feedings (120mL/kg/d) (9.95 +/- 2.46 d vs. 13.80 +/- 3.47 d, P<0.05) was shorter in the intervention group. Average daily weight gain (14.55 +/- 3.07g/d vs. 10.12 +/- 2.80g/d), head circumference increas e(0.0760 +/- 0.0157cm/d vs. 0.0681 +/- 0.0108cm/d), and body length increase (0.1878 +/- 0.0151cm/d vs. 0.1756 +/- 0.0166cm/d) of the intervention group were higher (P<0.01). There were no significant differences in the incidences of sepsis (4.44% vs. 8.33%), localized infection (6.67% vs. 8.33%), or NEC (2.22% vs. 10.42%) between the 2 groups (P>0.05). The number of daily defecations (times/d) in the intervention group was higher (3.08 +/- 0.33 vs. 2.29 +/- 0.20, P<0.01) and the length of hospital stay was shorter than that in the control group (20.60 +/- 5.36 d vs. 23.75 +/- 8.57 d, P<0.05). No adverse effects were noted among the infants receiving L. reuteri.Conclusion L. reuteri may be an useful tool in improving early feeding tolerance in preterm infants, promoting growth, increasing the frequency of defecation, and shortening the length of hospital stay.