Probiotics (Bacillus clausii) for Prevention of Late-onset Sepsis in Preterm Infants (<34 weeks): A Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Late-onset Sepsis (LOS) causes significant morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Probiotics have been suggested to improve the integrity of mucosal barrier by modifying the enteric microflora and suppress the overgrowth and translocation of pathogens in the gut, thus preventing life- threatening infections. Although probiotics have a definite role in prevention of Necrotising Enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm neonates, their effect on prevention of LOS in preterm neonates is still uncertain. Aim: To evaluate the role of probiotics in reducing incidence of LOS in preterm neonates (0.05)) and duration of hospital stay (10.86±3.19 vs 11.23±2.98 days; (p>0.05)). However, incidence of feed intolerance in the probiotic group (11.11%) was significantly less than that the other (26%) (p<0.05). Conclusion: Probiotics, prophylactically fed enterally, did not reduce the incidence of LOS but provide a promising strategy to prevent feed intolerance in premature neonates.

Keywords

• enteral nutrition
• gut microbiota
• mucosal immunity
• neonatal sepsis