Current evidence from systematic review and meta- analysis revealed that probiotics are the most promising intervention in reduction of the incidence of NEC in VLBW neonates .
As per the evidence , prebiotics modulate the composition of human intestine microflora to the benefit of the host by suppression of colonization of harmful microorganism and /or the stimulation of bifidobacterial growth , decreased stool viscosity , reduced gastrointestinal transit time , and better feed tolerance .
Necrotizing enterocolitis ( NEC ) is one of the most serious gastrointestinal emergencies in very low birth weight ( VLBW ) preterm neonates , affecting 7 - 14 % of these neonates .
Due to the seriousness of the disease , prevention of NEC is the most important goal .
Conditions of Bifidobacterial Colonization in Preterm Infants: A Prospective Analysis
Background : Premature birth results in a delayed and abnormal qualitative pattern of gut colonization . This abnormal pattern is thought to affect intestinal development and contribute to a higher risk of gastrointestinal infectious diseases such as neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis ( NEC ) . In particular , bifidobacteria are thought to play a major role . We therefore studied bifidobacterial colonization in preterm infants during the first month of life . Patients and Methods : Fecal sample s were prospect ively analyzed in 52 infants born at a gestational age ranging from 30 to 35 weeks fed with a preterm formula alone and , in 18 , with their mother 's milk .  Fecal sample s were collected twice per week during the hospital stay . Bifidobacterial colonization was analyzed with culture and a molecular method . Results : Bifidobacterial colonization occurred in 18 infants at a median age of 11 days , always greater than the corrected mean gestational age of 35.4 weeks ( SD , 0.9 ) and greater than 34 weeks for 16 of 18 . Colonization by bifidobacteria was affected by neither birthweight nor mode of delivery nor antibiotics given to the mother or infant . In contrast , birth gestational age had a significant impact on colonization by bifidobacteria ( P < 0.05 ) , which always occurred in children born at a birth gestational age greater than 32.9 weeks ( P < 0.05 ) . Conclusions : Birth gestational age seems to act as a major determinant of bifidobacterial colonization in the premature infant , suggesting the role of gut maturation , a finding that should probably be taken into account in manipulations of the gut flora aim ed at reducing NEC
Current evidence from systematic review and meta- analysis revealed that probiotics are the most promising intervention in reduction of the incidence of NEC in VLBW neonates .
As per the evidence , prebiotics modulate the composition of human intestine microflora to the benefit of the host by suppression of colonization of harmful microorganism and /or the stimulation of bifidobacterial growth , decreased stool viscosity , reduced gastrointestinal transit time , and better feed tolerance .
Necrotizing enterocolitis ( NEC ) is one of the most serious gastrointestinal emergencies in very low birth weight ( VLBW ) preterm neonates , affecting 7 - 14 % of these neonates .
Due to the seriousness of the disease , prevention of NEC is the most important goal .