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A new study published in Pediatrics suggests that probiotics administered in neonatal units are associated with reduced mortality in infants born before 34 weeks of gestation and with a birth weight of less than 1,000 grams. The findings provide valuable insights into neonatal care practices for preterm infants.
Study Overview
The research, led by Dr. Belal N. Alshaikh and colleagues from the University of Calgary Cumming School of Medicine, analyzed data from 33 Canadian Neonatal Network units. The retrospective cohort study included infants born before 34 weeks of gestation who were admitted between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2022.
Among the 32,667 eligible infants, 57.5% received probiotics, while 42.5% did not. The study evaluated the effectiveness and risks associated with probiotic use in these vulnerable newborns.
Key Findings
The researchers found a significant association between probiotic use and lower mortality rates. The adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for mortality among all infants who received probiotics was 0.62, with a 98.3% confidence interval (CI) of 0.53 to 0.73. In the subgroup of 7,401 infants with a birth weight of less than 1,000 grams, probiotics were also linked to reduced mortality (aOR, 0.58; 98.3% CI, 0.47 to 0.71).
However, probiotics did not significantly impact the rates of necrotizing enterocolitis (aOR, 0.92; 98.3% CI, 0.78 to 1.09) or late-onset sepsis (aOR, 0.90; 98.3% CI, 0.80 to 1.01). Similarly, in infants with a birth weight below 1,000 grams, no substantial reduction in these conditions was observed.
Potential Risks
Despite the overall benefits, probiotic use was associated with some cases of probiotic sepsis. Among infants born before 34 weeks, probiotic sepsis occurred in 27 cases (1.4 per 1,000), while in those with a birth weight under 1,000 grams, 20 cases were reported (4.0 per 1,000). Three infants who developed probiotic sepsis died, with two cases potentially linked to probiotic use.
Clinical Implications
The authors highlight that their findings can aid healthcare providers in counseling parents about the potential benefits and risks of probiotics in neonatal care. As probiotics are increasingly considered in preterm infant care, further research is necessary to optimize safety and efficacy.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Parents and caregivers should consult healthcare professionals before considering probiotic use for preterm infants.
