ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES :
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common emergency condition of preterm
babies. It has got a potential to cause significant mortality and morbidity. There are
many preventive strategies for NEC. one among them is administration of oral
probiotics. The aim of the study is to prove that use of oral probiotics can
significantly reduce the incidence of NEC among the preterm babies
METHODS :
The study design was a prospective randomized control trial. Only babies
<34weeks of gestation were included in the study. The selected sample of babies
were randomly divided into two groups viz, the test and the study group. Babies in
the test group were fed with Darolac 0.5g/day (Lactobacillus acidophilus,
Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Bifidobacterium longum, and Saccharomyces boluardi)
with breast milk twice daily till they reach full feeds. Babies in the control group
were fed with breast milk alone. The two groups were compared for the incidence
of NEC.
RESULTS :
Sample size was limited to 200 babies. They were randomized as control
and test groups with 100 each. It was found that the incidence of NEC was lower in
the test group (3 of 100 vs. 11 of 100). The results were statistically significant.
There was 3 case in stage 2 NEC and 1 case of severe stage 3 NEC in control Group.
CONCLUSION : Prophylactic probiotic has a beneficial role in prevention of necrotising enterocolitis in premature low birth weight babies
