Probiotics promoted head growth in extremely low birthweight infants in a double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial. (7th August 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Wejryd, Erik; Marchini, Giovanna; Frimmel, Veronica; Jonsson, Baldvin; Abrahamsson, Thomas
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 108:Number 1(2019)
• Page Start: 62
• Page End: 69
• Publication Date: 2018-08-07
• Subjects: Feeding tolerance -- Growth -- Necrotising enterocolitis -- Premature infants -- Probiotics; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.14497
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

Abstract: Aim: This study evaluated if oral supplementation with the probiotic bacterium Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 improved enteral feeding tolerance and growth rates in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) infants. Method: A randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial comprising 134 ELBW (<1000 g) infants born before gestational week 28 + 0. Daily supplementation of L . reuteri (1.25 × 10 8 bacteria/day) or placebo started within 3 days and continued until gestational week 36 + 0. Primary outcome was feeding tolerance and secondary outcome growth rate calculated as z‐score development. Results: Feeding tolerance was similar in the probiotic and placebo group. Time to full enteral feeds was 15 days in both groups. The z‐score of the head circumference decreased in both groups from birth to day 28 of life, but it decreased less in the L. reuteri group compared to the placebo group: −1.2 SD (95% CI: −1.4 to −1.0) versus −1.7 SD (95% CI: −2.0 to −1.5; p = 0.001). Other growth parameters were similar in the study groups. Conclusion: Lactobacillus reuteri did not reduce time to reach full enteral feeds in ELBW infants. The L. reuteri supplemented infants, however, had a better growth rate of the head during the first month of life. Abstract :