Role of Enteral Probiotics for Prevention of Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial

摘要

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)?is neonatal disease mostly occur in premature neonates, in which the parts of intestine get necrosis. Healthy probiotic agent may be given that can help to resist the condition. These are thought to be non‐pathogenic & non‐invasive, modify immune responses, do not develop resistance to antibiotics and develop from human microflora. Objective: To compare the frequency of Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) with enteral probiotics versus placebo in preterm infants. Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Hospital, Lahore for 6months. Total 220 cases were recruited via Non-probability consecutive sampling. Neonates were divided in two groups. One group (control) received milk (Breast or Formula) and second group (intervention) received probiotics Lactobacillus GG 3 billion units once daily with the milk for a week. Neonates were observed for NEC signs within 7days. Results: The mean gestational age of neonates was 32.19±2.90 weeks. There were 133 (60.2%) males and 88 (39.8%) females. The mean weight of neonates was 1581.97±472.60grams. NEC was developed in 10 (9.1%) neonates with placebo while in 7 (6.4%) neonates received probiotics (p-value0.05). Conclusion: Our study did not support benefit of probiotics for prevention of NEC.