Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of prophylactic enteral probiotic administration versus placebo in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants. Patients and Methods: This randomized control trial was carried out at Paediatric Department of Holy Family Hospital, Rawalpindi. A total of 154 preterm infants, 28-33 weeks’ gestational age and <2500 grams at birth were enrolled after informed parental consent a donation of for 6 months. They were randomized in to 2 groups with 77 in each group. The infants in the study group were given BILUS (B.bifidus & L.acidophilus) with breast milk twice a day. The infants in the control group were given breast milk alone. Physical and radiological signs of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) were observed and NEC was staged according to Modified Bell’s criterion. Results: The frequency of Necrotizing Enterocolitis was lower in the study group as compared to the control group; 4 of 77 (5.2%) versus 6 of 77(7.8%) but the results were not statistically significant (p value = 0.25) Key words: Necrotizing enterocolitis, Preterm Infants, Probiotics.

Authors and Affiliations