The 2 meta-analyses also demonstrated that probiotics reduce the risk of death due to all causes , but do not have an effect on the risk of sepsis or death due to NEC .
Because of the limited data regarding synbiotics , the relationship between their use and clinical outcomes in preterm infants remains unclear .
The findings from the 2 meta-analyses of the effects of probiotic administration on the prevention of NEC show potential for such dietary supplementation .
BACKGROUND Uncertainty exists regarding the efficacy and safety of using probiotics and prebiotics in preterm infants .
AIM To review the evidence on the effects of administering probiotics and /or prebiotics to preterm infants .
Effects of bifidobacterium breve supplementation on intestinal flora of low birth weight infants.
BACKGROUND It is known that the bifidobacteria flora play important roles in mucosal host defense and can prevent infectious diseases . Because bacterial population s develop during the first day of life , the authors examined whether the early administration of bifidobacteria has a positive effect on the health of low birth weight infants . METHODS The effects of oral administration of Bifidobacterium breve ( B. breve ) supplements were studied in a controlled trial with low birth weight infants ( average birth weight 1489 g ) . The infants were divided into three groups : Group A and B received a dose of 1.6 x 10(8 ) cells of B. breve supplement twice a day , commencing either from several hours after birth ( group A ) or 24 h after birth ( group B ) . Group C , the control group , received no supplement . RESULTS There were no significant differences in birth weight , treatment with antibiotics , and the starting time of breast-feeding among the three groups . A Bifidobacterium-predominant flora was formed at an average of 2 weeks after birth in group A and at an average of 4 weeks after birth in group B , while no Bifidobacterium was isolated in eight out of 10 infants in group C during the observation period of 7 weeks . In comparison between group A and B , Bifidobacterium was detected significantly earlier in group A , and the number of Enterobacteriaceae present in the infants at 2 weeks after birth was significantly lower in group A. CONCLUSION The results of the present study suggest that very early administration of B. breve to low birth weight infants is useful in promoting the colonization of the Bifidobacterium and the formation of a normal intestinal flora
The 2 meta-analyses also demonstrated that probiotics reduce the risk of death due to all causes , but do not have an effect on the risk of sepsis or death due to NEC .
Because of the limited data regarding synbiotics , the relationship between their use and clinical outcomes in preterm infants remains unclear .
The findings from the 2 meta-analyses of the effects of probiotic administration on the prevention of NEC show potential for such dietary supplementation .
BACKGROUND Uncertainty exists regarding the efficacy and safety of using probiotics and prebiotics in preterm infants .
AIM To review the evidence on the effects of administering probiotics and /or prebiotics to preterm infants .