The Effect of Probiotics in Prevention of Necrotising Enterocolitis in Preterm Neonates in Comparison with Control Group

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common dangerous gastrointestinal emergency in neonatology, especially in premature infants, which can cause serious problems.
This study was conducted to find out whether administration of probiotics could lead to prevention and/or treatment of NEC.
115 premature newborns weighting 750 - 1500 g or less than 32 weeks’ gestation were checked daily for NEC signs and weight gain and mean day of full feed achievement was recorded.
The incidence of NEC and C-reactive protein (CRP) rise showed a significant difference (P = 0.02) between the two (case and control) groups, but the difference regarding mean duration of oxygen therapy, TPN, full feeding achievement, and hospitalization was not significant.
These results showed positive effects of probiotics on preventing and treating NEC, especially NEC grade 3 in ELBW and VLBW neonates.