The use of probiotics in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis and its role in somatic growth in preterm infants: A 10-year review

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: The use of probiotics has been extensively studied and has shown promising results in reducing the incidence and severity of NEC in preterm infants. The WHO recommendations state that probiotics may be considered for a human-milk-fed very preterm infant. However, the guideline development group was not able to make a recommendation on the type, formulation, dose, timing, or duration of probiotic administration due to insufficient evidence and leave their
choice based on clinical judgment. This review aims to provide information regarding probiotic strains,
dose, and duration of administration.
Method: A comprehensive systematic literature review was conducted using an electronic database, PubMed. PubMed was
searched for Randomized Controlled Trials that had been published within a duration of ten years, published in English, and
included newborns.
Results: Half of the included studies showed that the use of probiotics was associated with a reduction in the incidence of NEC. Probiotics were also associated with improved short-term weight gain.
Conclusion: Probiotics appear to be effective in preventing NEC and promoting growth and development in preterm infants. It is important to consider the factors that alter the preterm microbiota. Therefore, there is still a gap in the microbiota analysis of breast milk from mothers who had preterm deliveries.