In studies included in this meta- analysis , probiotic administration was associated with a reduction in NEC-related mortality
Aim of the study Probiotic administration to preterm infants has the potential to prevent necrotising enterocolitis ( NEC ) .
Data from r and omised controlled trials ( RCT ) are conflicting but meta-analyses seem to support this intervention .
To date , these analyses have not focused on surgical NEC .
We aim ed to determine the effect of probiotic administration  to preterm infants on prevention of surgical NEC .
Early administration of Bifidobacterium breve to preterm infants: randomised controlled trial
AIM To investigate the colonisation withBifidobacterium breve of the bowels of very low birthweight ( VLBW ) infants . METHODS The adverse effects of B breve were examined in 66 VLBW infants ( preliminary study ) . A prospect i ve r and omised clinical study of 91 VLBW infants was also completed and these infants were followed up for three years . Precise viable bacterial counts of serial stool specimens were examined for the first eight weeks after birth in 10 infants . The colonisation rates of administered bacteria were examined using immunohistochemical staining of stool specimens with a B breve specific monoclonal antibody . RESULTS In the preliminary study there were no side effects attributable to the bacteria . Immunohistochemical staining of stool specimens showed that the colonisation rates of the administered bacteria were 73 % at 2 weeks of age , but only 12 % in the control group . Early administration of B brevesignificantly decreased aspirated air volume from the stomach and improved weight gain . CONCLUSIONS B breve can colonise the immature bowel very effectively and is associated with fewer abnormal abdominal signs and better weight gain in VLBW infants , probably as a result of stabilisation of their intestinal flora and accelerated feeding schedules
In studies included in this meta- analysis , probiotic administration was associated with a reduction in NEC-related mortality
Aim of the study Probiotic administration to preterm infants has the potential to prevent necrotising enterocolitis ( NEC ) .
Data from r and omised controlled trials ( RCT ) are conflicting but meta-analyses seem to support this intervention .
To date , these analyses have not focused on surgical NEC .
We aim ed to determine the effect of probiotic administration  to preterm infants on prevention of surgical NEC .