A double‐blinded randomized trial on growth and feeding tolerance with Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I‐745 in formula‐fed preterm infants

Abstract

Objective: The use of probiotics is increasingly popular in preterm neonates, as they may prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) 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 prospective, randomized, case‐controlled trial with the probiotic S. boulardii (50 mg/kg twice daily) was conducted in newborns with a gestational age of 30 to 37 weeks and a birth weight between 1,500 to 2,500 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 ± 1.77 g/kg/day, p 30 weeks old.

Keywords

• Feeding (in)tolerance
• Growth
• Necrotizing enterocolitis
• Preterm infant
• Probiotic
• Sepsis