COMPARATIVE STUDY OF PROBIOTICS AND PLACEBO IN THE PREVENTION OF NECROTIZING ENTEROCOLITIS IN PREMATURE INFANTS
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Keywords
necrotizing enterocolitis, probiotics, premature infants, observational study, neonatal care, Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, mortality, sepsis, health outcomes
Abstract
Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) severely impacts premature infants, leading to high morbidity and mortality rates. Despite medical advances, effective prevention remains elusive. Probiotics, which stabilize gut flora and boost immune responses, could be a viable preventive measure.
Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of probiotics in reducing NEC incidence in a clinical setting, aiming to establish them as a standard preventive treatment.
Methods: This observational prospective cohort study was conducted at Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, Karachi Pakistan in the duration from July, 2023 to December, 2023. it involves 102 preterm infants under 34 weeks gestational age. The study divided infants into two groups: those receiving daily probiotics (Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium) and a control group without supplements. Primary outcomes included NEC incidence, mortality, and sepsis rates. Analysis was performed using SPSS, with Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models.
Results: Probiotics significantly reduced NEC incidence to 4% versus 16% in controls. Notable declines in mortality and sepsis were also observed. Probiotic recipients benefitted from better growth rates and shorter hospital stays.
Conclusion: Probiotics markedly decrease NEC risks among preterm infants, advocating their integration into neonatal care. This study supports the broader implementation of probiotics as a straightforward, cost-effective strategy to avert a critical condition, reshaping care for at-risk neonates.
References
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Dr Shaheen Masood
Professor, Paediatric Department, KMDC & Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Karachi, Pakistan.
Dr Atika Sher
Assistant Professor, Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College, Pakistan
Dr Riffat Farrukh
Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, Abbasi Shaheed Hospital, KMDC Karachi, Pakistan.
Dr Muhammad Fareeduddin
Consultant Pediatrician, Indus Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan
Dr Ibrahim Shakoor
Professor of Paediatrics, KMDC & Abbasi Shaheed Hospital Karachi, Pakistan
Dr Syed Ali Farhan Abbas Rizvi
MBBS, Jinnah Medical and Dental College, Pakistan.