COMPARATIVE FREQUENCY OF NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS IN PRETERM NEONATES ON PROBIOTICS VS STANDARD CARE ALONE

Probiotics and risk of necrotizing enterocolitis in neonates

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Background: Preterm infants show increased pathogenic microbes and reduced normal flora, raising their risk of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC). Probiotics, as non-pathogenic microbes, help prevent NEC and sepsis by enhancing intestinal barriers and modulating host response.

Objectives: To compare frequency of NEC in preterm neonates on probiotics versus standard care only.

Methods: It is Randomized Clinical trial conducted at Department of Neonatology, Children Hospital Multan from 25th April 2022 to 24th October 2022. A total of 188 (94 in each group) preterm infants of gestational age ≤35 weeks were included. Patients with congenital anomalies, requiring inotropic support, respiratory distress needing oxygen support within 72 hours of life and severe perinatal asphyxia were excluded. Group A (Probiotic group) - was given Immutec - Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium BB-12 species 2.5×109 cfu (colony forming units) per day

with feed. Group B (standard care group) – received enteral feeding and the remaining standard care (thermo neutral environment, fluid electrolyte balance, antibiotics when indicated). During this period the infant was investigated for NEC (blood counts, abdominal radiograph and stool for blood).

Results: Necrotizing enterocolitis was found in 05 (5.32%) in group A (probiotics group) and 21 (22.34%) in group B (standard care only group) with p-value of 0.0007.

Conclusion: This study concluded that probiotics are better in terms of preventing necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates than standard care only.