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Italian Journal of Pediatrics

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Open Access 01-12-2019 | Probiotics | Research

Effects of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in preterm infants: a double-blinded randomized controlled study

Authors: Xuewei Cui, Yongyan Shi, Siyang Gao, Xindong Xue, Jianhua Fu

Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics | Issue 1/2019

Abstract

Background

Preterm infants have immature gastrointestinal tracts and poor immunity. In this study, the effects of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 first on early feeding tolerance, growth, and second on infection prevention in preterm infants were evaluated.

Methods

One hundred fourteen formula-fed preterm infants with a gestational age between 30 weeks and 37 weeks, and a birth weight between 1500 and 2000 g were enrolled; 57 in the intervention and 57 in the control group:the intervention group was given a dose of 1 × 10⁸ colony-forming units (5 drops) of L. reuteri DSM 17938 once daily, beginning with the first feeding until discharge. The control group did not receive probiotics. Early feeding tolerance (as time to full enterla feeding and number of reflux), growth, incidences of sepsis, localized infection, NEC, and adverse effects were recorded for both groups.

Results

The number of Daily reflux episodes (times/d) was lower (2.18 ± 0.83 vs. 3.77 ± 0.66, P < 0.01) and time to full enteral feedings (120 mL/kg/d) (9.95 ± 2.46 d vs. 13.80 ± 3.47 d, P < 0.05) was shorter in the intervention group. Average daily weight gain (14.55 ± 3.07 g/d vs. 10.12 ± 2.80 g/d), head circumference increas e(0.0760 ± 0.0157 cm/d vs. 0.0681 ± 0.0108 cm/d), and body length increase (0.1878 ± 0.0151 cm/d vs. 0.1756 ± 0.0166 cm/d) of the intervention group were higher (P < 0.01). There were no significant differences in the incidences of sepsis (4.44% vs. 8.33%), localized infection (6.67% vs. 8.33%), or NEC (2.22% vs. 10.42%) between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The number of daily defecations (times/d) in the intervention group was higher (3.08 ± 0.33 vs. 2.29 ± 0.20, P < 0.01) and the length of hospital stay was shorter than that in the control group (20.60 ± 5.36 d vs. 23.75 ± 8.57 d, P < 0.05). No adverse effects were noted among the infants receiving L. reuteri.

Conclusion

L. reuteri may be an useful tool in improving early feeding tolerance in preterm infants, promoting growth, increasing the frequency of defecation, and shortening the length of hospital stay.

Trial registration

ChiCTR, ChiCTR1900025590. Registered 1 February 2019- Retrospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/listbycreater.aspx.

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Title: Effects of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in preterm infants: a double-blinded randomized controlled study
Authors: Xuewei Cui
Yongyan Shi
Siyang Gao
Xindong Xue
Jianhua Fu
Publication date: 01-12-2019
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Probiotics
Septicemia
Septicemia
Published in: Italian Journal of Pediatrics / Issue 1/2019
Electronic ISSN: 1824-7288
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-019-0716-9

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Effects of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in preterm infants: a double-blinded randomized controlled study

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

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