Probiotics, prematurity and neurodevelopment: follow-up of a randomised trial. Issue 1 (25th November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jacobs, Susan E; Hickey, Leah; Donath, Susan; Opie, Gillian F; Anderson, Peter J; Garland, Suzanne M; Cheong, Jeanie L Y
• Other Names: Jacobs SE author non-byline.; Hickey L author non-byline.; Opie GF author non-byline.; Garland SM author non-byline.; Cheong JLY author non-byline.; Donath S author non-byline.; Anderson PJ author non-byline.; Gold L author non-byline.; Sia KL author non-byline.; Tobin JM author non-byline.; Tabrizi SN author non-byline.; Pirotta M author non-byline.; Tang MLK author non-byline.; Morley CJ author non-byline.; Tan K author non-byline.; Lewis A author non-byline.; Veldman A author non-byline.; Carse E author non-byline.; Travadi J author non-byline.; Wright IMR author non-byline.; Osborn DA author non-byline.; Sinn J author non-byline.; Bowen J author non-byline.; Levison J author non-byline.; Stack JA author non-byline.; Depaoli AG author non-byline.; Austin NC author non-byline.; Darlow BA author non-byline.; Alsweiler JM author non-byline.; Buksh MJ author non-byline.
• Is Part Of: BMJ paediatrics open. Volume 1:Issue 1(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-11-25
• Subjects: Neurodevelopment; Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Children -- Health and hygiene -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2017-000176
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-9772

Abstract

Abstract : Objective: To determine the impact of one probiotics combination on the neurodevelopment of very preterm children at 2–5 years corrected gestational age (CA). Design: Follow-up study of survivors of a double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomised trial of probiotic effects on late-onset sepsis in very preterm infants that found reduced necrotising enterocolitis. Setting: 10 tertiary perinatal centres in Australia and New Zealand. Patients: 1099 very preterm infants born <32 weeks' gestation and weighing <1500 g. Intervention: Probiotics ( Bifidobacterium infantis, Streptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis ) or placebo administered from birth until discharge home or term CA, whichever came sooner. Main outcome measures: Major neurodevelopmental impairment comprised any of moderate/severe cerebral palsy (Gross Motor Function Classification System score 2–5), motor impairment (Bayley-III Motor Composite Scale <– 2SD or Movement Assessment Battery for Children <15th centile if >42 months' CA), cognitive impairment (Bayley-III Composite Cognitive or Language Scales <– 2SD or Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence Full Scale Intelligence Quotient <– 2SD if >42 months' CA), blindness or deafness. Results: Outcome data were available for 735 (67%) participants, with 71 deaths and 664/1028 survivors assessed at a mean age of 30 months. Survival free of major neurodevelopmental impairment was comparable between groups (probiotics 281 (75.3%) vs placebo 271 (74.9%); relative risk 1.01 (95% CI 0.93 to 1.09)). Rates of deafness were lower in probiotic-treated children (0.6% vs 3.4%). Conclusion: Administration of the probiotics combination Bifidobacterium infantis, Streptococcus thermophilus and Bifidobacterium lactis to very preterm babies from soon after birth until discharge home or term CA did not adversely affect neurodevelopment or behaviour in early childhood. Trial registration number: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN012607000144415.