Probiotic Use in Preterm Neonates: A Review and Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a major health burden in peterm neonates with mortality rates between 21% and 50%. Prophylaxis is of primary importance as early diagnosis is hindered by the lack of specific signs and laboratory markers. Although probiotics have been routinely used for NEC prophylaxis in neonatal intensive care units around the world, clinical trials provide contradictory data, which fuels an ongoing debate about their efficacy and safety.

Keywords

• bibliometric analysis
• efficacy
• necrotizing enterocolitis
• preterm infant
• safety