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 .
A double-blinded randomized trial on growth and feeding tolerance with Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 in formula-fed preterm infants.
OBJECTIVE The use of probiotics is increasingly popular in preterm neonates , as they may prevent necrotizing enterocolitis sepsis and improve growth and feeding tolerance . There is only limited literature on Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 ( S. boulardii ) in preterm infants . METHOD A prospect i ve , r and omized , case-controlled trial with the probiotic S. boulardii ( 50mg/kg twice daily ) was conducted in newborns with a gestational age of 30 - 37 weeks and a birth weight between 1500 and 2500 g . RESULTS 125 neonates were enrolled ; 63 in the treatment and 62 in the control group . Weight gain ( 16.14±1.96 vs. 10.73±1.77g/kg/day , p<0.05 ) and formula intake at maximal enteral feeding ( 128.4±6.7 vs. 112.3±7.2mL/kg/day , p<0.05 ) were significantly higher in the intervention group . Once enteral feeding was started , the time needed to reach full enteral feeding was significantly shorter in the probiotic group ( 0.4±0.1 vs. 1.7±0.5 days , p<0.05 ) . There was no significant difference in sepsis . Necrotizing enterocolitis did not occur . No adverse effects related to S. boulardii were observed . CONCLUSION Prophylactic supplementation of S. boulardii at a dose of 50mg/kg twice a day improved weight gain , improved feeding tolerance , and had no adverse effects in preterm infants > 30 weeks old
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 .