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 .
A Randomized, Double-Blind, Controlled Trial of the Effect of Prebiotic Oligosaccharides on Enteral Tolerance in Preterm Infants (ISRCTN77444690)
Breast milk prebiotic oligosaccharides are believed to promote enteral tolerance . Many mothers delivering preterm are unable to provide sufficient milk . We conducted a multicenter , r and omized , controlled trial comparing preterm formula containing 0.8 g/100 mL short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides/long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides in a 9:1 ratio and an otherwise identical formula , using formula only to augment insufficient maternal milk volume . Infants were r and omized within 24 h of birth . The primary outcome ( PO ) was time to establish a total milk intake of 150 mL/kg/d PO and the principal secondary outcome ( PSO ) was proportion of time between birth and 28 d/discharge that a total milk intake of ≥150 mL/kg/d was tolerated . Other secondary outcomes included growth , fecal characteristics , gastrointestinal signs , necrotizing enterocolitis , and bloodstream infection . Outcomes were compared adjusted for prespecified covariates . We recruited 160 infants appropriately grown for GA <33 wk . There were no significant differences in PO or PSOs . After covariate adjustment , we showed significant benefit from trial formula in PSO with increasing infant immaturity ( 2.9 % improved tolerance for a baby born at 28-wk gestation and 9.9 % at 26-wk gestation ; p < 0.001 ) but decreased or no benefit in babies > 31-wk gestation . Prebiotic supplementation appears safe and may benefit enteral tolerance in the most immature infants
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 .