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 ) .
The effect of a bifidobacter supplemented bovine milk on intestinal permeability of preterm infants.
BACKGROUND Preterm infants have increased intestinal permeability which can render them susceptible to infections from enterobacteriae . OBJECTIVES The primary objective was to investigate whether probiotic administration to preterm infants decreases intestinal permeability . Secondary outcomes studied were : somatic growth , tolerance , rates of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis . METHODS In a prospect i ve r and omized case-control study 41 stable preterm infants of 27 to 36 weeks gestation and 34 matched comparison infants consecutively admitted to the neonatal unit were studied . The study group received a preterm formula supplemented with Bifidobacter lactis ( 2 x 10(7 ) cfu/g of dry milk ) while the control group received the same formula but without supplementation .  Intestinal permeability was measured within two days of birth and then seven and thirty days later using the sugar absorption test . Additionally anthropometric parameters were recorded throughout the study as well as acceptance and tolerance of the formula . RESULTS All infants tolerated the study formula well . Median counts of stool bifidobacteria and lactulose/mannitol ratios at baseline were comparable . After 7 days of supplementation median bifidobacteria counts were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group ( p=0.0356 ) and they remained higher to the end of the study ( p at day 30=0.075 ) . The L/M ratio in the study group was significantly lower at day 30 of the study as compared to the control group ( p=0.003 ) . Head growth was significantly higher in the study group ( p=0.001 ) . CONCLUSIONS The administration of a bifidobacter supplemented infant formula decreases intestinal permeability of preterm infants and leads to increased head growth
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 ) .