Meta-regression did not show any significant association between the RR for NEC or LOS and the RR for BPD .
In conclusion , our results suggest that NEC and LOS prevention by probiotics does not affect the risk of developing BPD in preterm infants
Probiotic supplementation reduces the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis ( NEC ) and late-onset sepsis ( LOS )  in preterm infants , but it remains to be determined whether this reduction translates into a reduction of other complications .
We conducted a systematic review and meta- analysis to evaluate the possible role of probiotics in altering the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia ( BPD ) .
Probiotic Effects on Late-onset Sepsis in Very Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE : Late-onset sepsis frequently complicates prematurity , contributing to morbidity and mortality . Probiotics may reduce mortality and necrotizing enterocolitis ( NEC ) in preterm infants , with unclear effect on late-onset sepsis . This study aim ed to determine the effect of administering a specific combination of probiotics to very preterm infants on culture-proven late-onset  sepsis . METHODS : A prospect i ve multicenter , double-blinded , placebo-controlled , r and omized trial compared daily administration of a probiotic combination ( Bifidobacterium infantis , Streptococcus thermophilus , and Bifidobacterium lactis , containing 1 × 109 total organisms ) with placebo ( maltodextrin ) in infants born before 32 completed weeks ’ gestation weighing < 1500 g. The primary outcome was at least 1 episode of definite late-onset sepsis . RESULTS : Between October 2007 and November 2011 , 1099 very preterm infants from Australia and New Zeal and were r and omized . Rates of definite late-onset sepsis ( 16.2 % ) , NEC of Bell stage 2 or more ( 4.4 % ) , and mortality ( 5.1 % ) were low in controls , with high breast milk feeding rates ( 96.9 % ) . No significant difference in definite late-onset sepsis or all-cause mortality was found , but this probiotic combination reduced NEC of Bell stage 2 or more ( 2.0 % versus 4.4 % ; relative risk 0.46 , 95 % confidence interval 0.23 to 0.93 , P = .03 ; number needed to treat 43 , 95 % confidence interval 23 to 333 ) . CONCLUSIONS : The probiotics B infantis , S thermophilus , and B lactis significantly reduced NEC of Bell stage 2 or more in very preterm infants , but not definite late-onset sepsis or mortality . Treatment with this combination of probiotics appears to be safe
Meta-regression did not show any significant association between the RR for NEC or LOS and the RR for BPD .
In conclusion , our results suggest that NEC and LOS prevention by probiotics does not affect the risk of developing BPD in preterm infants
Probiotic supplementation reduces the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis ( NEC ) and late-onset sepsis ( LOS )  in preterm infants , but it remains to be determined whether this reduction translates into a reduction of other complications .
We conducted a systematic review and meta- analysis to evaluate the possible role of probiotics in altering the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia ( BPD ) .