Cumulative impact of multiple evidence based strategies on postnatal growth of extremely-low-birth-weight infants.

BACKGROUND: Postnatal growth failure is common in very preterm infants and is associated with worse neurodevelopmental outcome. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the cumulative impact of multiple evidence based strategies on the postnatal growth of extremely-low-birth-weight (ELBW) infants. METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study. Based on current literature, changes were implemented to provide optimal parenteral and enteral nutrition. Daily intakes of calories, protein, lipids and carbohydrates were calculated. The average growth velocity (GV) was calculated using 2-point exponential model and is reported as grams/kg/day. The length and head circumference gains are reported as centimeters/week. RESULTS: The mean gestational age and birth weight for 38 ELBW survivors were 27.0 ± 2.1 weeks and 752 ± 147 g respectively. The GV was 13.2 ± 2.2 g/kg/day (range 8.8-17.4) and gains in length and head circumference were 0.88 ± 0.9 (range 0.15-1.42) and 0.71 ± 0.5 (range 0.22-0.96) centimeters/week respectively. Twenty nine (76.3%) infants were small-for-gestational-age (SGA) at discharge and 23 of these (60.5% of all infants) had weight below 3rd percentile. All 11 infants who were SGA at birth were SGA at discharge as well. Of 25 appropriate-for-gestational-age (AGA) infants at birth, 16 (64%) were SGA at discharge. The number of infants with length and head circumference below 10th percentile at birth and discharge were 11 (28.9%) and 29 (76.3%) for length and 20 (52.6%) and 27 (71.1%) for head circumference. Infants with multiple morbidities and more hospital days with no enteral feeds had lower GV. CONCLUSION: All infants born SGA at birth and majority of ELBW survivors born AGA at birth had weight, length and head circumference below 10th percentile at discharge despite aggressive nutrition supplementation.

Zinc Supplementation in Preterm Neonates with Jaundice: Is it Beneficial?

BACKGROUND: Neonatal jaundice is a common neonatal disease that has adverse effects on neonates, especially preterm neonates, when indirect bilirubin level is adequately high to pass the blood-brain barrier, causing bilirubin encephalopathy or kernicterus. AIM: This study aimed to investigate the value of zinc (Zn) supplementation in preterm neonates with jaundice and whether it will be beneficial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective randomized clinical trial, with the identification number TCTR20200504007, was conducted at Tanta University Hospital from July 2016 to March 2018 on 200 preterm neonates with jaundice. The studied neonates were divided into two groups: group 1, which received Zn and phototherapy, and group 2, which received phototherapy only and did not receive Zn. In group 1, 100 preterm neonates with jaundice received Zn as 0.6 mL (cm3) of zinc origin/kg/day orally through the oro-nasogastric tube divided into two doses (every 12 h), which was equal to 1.2 mg elemental zinc/kg/day orally for 10 days. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in serum bilirubin level between the two groups on the 2nd, 4th, and 6th days of admission, while the serum bilirubin level was significantly decreased in group 1 compared with that in group 2 only on the 8th, 9th, and 10th days of admission. The p-- values were 0.045*, 0.027*, and 0.004*, respectively. CONCLUSION: Zn administration to preterm neonates with jaundice was found to be beneficial in decreasing serum bilirubin level. RECOMMENDATION: Zn supplementation should be provided to preterm neonates with jaundice.

Relationships between Early Nutrition, Illness, and Later Outcomes among Infants Born Preterm with Hyperglycemia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of hyperglycemia on body composition and neurodevelopment, and how early nutrition and illness modify these relationships in infants born preterm. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective data were collected from infants born <32 weeks of gestational age (N = 97), including inpatient days of hyperglycemia (blood glucose >150 mg/dL) and nutrient intake. Body composition was measured at discharge and 4 months' postmenstrual age (PMA). Bayley Scales of Infant Development III (BSID-III) were administered at 12 months' PMA. Linear regression analysis was performed, adjusting for birth gestational age. Associations between hyperglycemia, body composition, and BSID-III were analyzed in models accounting for first-week nutrition and early illness severity via Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology-II. RESULTS: Mean birth gestational age was 27.8 (SD 2.4) weeks. Hyperglycemia occurred in 48.5% of infants. Hyperglycemia for ≥5 days was negatively associated with fat mass and fat free mass z scores at discharge, and fat free mass z score at 4 months' PMA (P < .05 all). Hyperglycemia for ≥5 days was negatively associated with cognition, language, and motor scores on the BSDI at 12 months (P ≤ .01 all). Associations with body composition and BSID-III were diminished when models included first week nutrition yet remained unchanged when illness severity was included. CONCLUSIONS: In infants <32 weeks, ≥5 days of hyperglycemia is associated with decreased lean mass at 4 months' PMA and poorer neurodevelopmental outcome at 12 months' PMA. These associations may be mediated by decreased first week nutrition, potentially related to reduced glucose infusion rate for management of hyperglycemia.

Parent and Provider Perspectives on the Imprecise Label of "Human Milk Fortifier" in the NICU.

In the critical care of preterm infants, feeding is complex and potentially harmful to an immature gastrointestinal system. Parents have expressed the desire to be fully informed about what is being fed to their child, as this places them in the best position to nurture their child's health. In the parent-engaged setting of the Necrotizing Enterocolitis Symposium, NICU parents expressed concern and confusion about how cow's milk product and donor human milk product both carry the label "Human Milk Fortifier" (HMF). Accordingly, two online surveys were developed to characterize how the label HMF is used and interpreted in the NICU by parents and providers. Of 774 United States participants, only 21.9% of providers reported consistently describing the source of HMF to parents, and only 20.6% of parents whose child received an HMF product report knowing the source. Parents expressed that they were "not given information" regarding HMF, while both parents and healthcare providers expressed that "the label (HMF) is misleading". This study documents the ambiguity around the label HMF as well as the need for more specific language and clearer communication.

Team-Based Implementation of an Exclusive Human Milk Diet.

BACKGROUND: The University of Virginia neonatal intensive care unit is a 51-bed unit with approximately 600 to 700 admissions per year. Despite evidenced-based clinical care, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and feeding intolerance remained problematic. PURPOSE: In September 2016, the neonatal intensive care unit implemented an exclusive human milk diet (EHMD) for infants born 1250 g or less with the goal of reducing NEC, feeding intolerance, parenteral nutrition use, and late-onset sepsis. Length of stay, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), and retinopathy of prematurity were also evaluated. METHODS: A work group developed systems for charging and documenting products used in an EHMD. Outcomes were compared with a control group of similar infants born prior to the availability of the EHMD. RESULTS: Infants who received an EHMD had significantly fewer late-onset sepsis evaluations (P = .0027) and less BPD (P = .018). While not statistically significant, less surgical NEC was also demonstrated (4 cases vs 1 case, which was 57% of total NEC cases vs 14.3%) while maintaining desirable weight gain and meeting financial goals. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: A multidisciplinary team that implements financial and documentation systems can provide a sustainable clinical practice that improves patient outcomes. Ongoing evaluations of clinical and financial data provide valuable information to guide future clinical practices related to the EHMD. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Future research on the anti-inflammatory effect of an EHMD is needed to provide direction regarding a potential dose-dependent response for reduced BPD rates and severity. The role of human milk and prevention or mitigation of sepsis is not fully understood, but the reduction of the number of late-onset sepsis evaluations may support the relationship between an EHMD and infection protection. Exploring clinical and financial outcomes for implementing the EHMD in infants born more than 1250 g remains a key area for research.

Solely human milk diets for preterm infants.

Human milk provides not only ideal nutrition for infant development but also immunologic factors to protect from infection and inflammation. For the newborn preterm infant, the natural delivery of milk is not attainable, and instead pumped maternal milk, donor human milk, and human milk fortification are mainstays of clinical care. Current research demonstrates a decreased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis with maternal milk and donor human milk when individually compared to formula and with a complete human milk diet of maternal milk supplemented with donor human milk. The incidence of severe retinopathy of prematurity is decreased with an exclusive human milk diet, and this decrease is more pronounced with human milk-based compared to bovine milk-based human milk fortifier. The incidence of other morbidities such as late-onset sepsis and bronchopulmonary dysplasia is decreased with higher dose of human milk though significant differences are not apparent in exclusive human milk diet studies.

Probiotics and Human Milk Oligosaccharides in Premature Infants.

Intestinal dysbiosis precedes and is a likely causative factor in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and many cases of late-onset sepsis. Randomized controlled trials and observational cohort studies demonstrate decreased risk of NEC, sepsis, and death with the administration of probiotic microbes and decreased risk of NEC and sepsis with feeding of human milk. Animal studies suggest promising mechanisms by which probiotic microbes and human milk oligosaccharides alter the composition of the intestinal microbiota and may prevent disease in premature infants. Inclusion of parents in discussions of the risks and benefits of human milk and probiotics for premature infants is essential.

Role of amino acid supplementation in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates - a review of current evidences.

BACKGROUND: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most common acute and fatal gastrointestinal emergency in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm neonates with mortality range from 15 to 30%. NEC is likely due to multifactorial process such as oxidative injury, ischemic necrosis, and over-reactive inflammatory response to intestinal microbes. AIMS: To evaluate the role of amino acid supplementation for reduction of neonatal NEC in preterm neonates. METHOD: The literature search was done for various randomized control trial (RCT) by searching the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Scopus, Index Copernicus, African Index Medicus (AIM), Thomson Reuters (ESCI), Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) and other database. RESULTS: This review included 15 RCTs that fulfilled inclusion criteria. The total neonates enrolled in these different RCT are 3424 (amino acid group 1711 and control 1713). Almost all participating neonates were of VLBW or extremely low birth weight (ELBW). In two trials, birth weight was between 1500-2000 grams. The intervention was started within first few days after birth and continued up to 30th day of postnatal age in most of the trials. In two trials, intervention was continued up to 120th day of postnatal age. Arginine, glutamine and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) were used at the dose of 1.5 mol/kg/day (261 mg/kg/day), 0.3 grams/kg/day and 16-32 mg/kg/day, respectively. CONCLUSION: Role of amino acid in the prevention of neonatal NEC is not exclusively supported by the current evidence. Only three studies were able to show reduction in the incidence of NEC with amino acid supplementation (arginine, glutamine), and the remaining studies did not report any positive effect. Amino acid supplementation was not associated with significant reduction in mortality due to any causes. However, arginine supplementation was associated with significant reduction in mortality due to NEC. Two studies on glutamine were reported significant reduction in the incidence of invasive infection. Only one study reported significant positive effects on growth parameters and less time to reach full enteral feeds. None of the studies showed any effect on the duration of hospital stay.

Indicadores de qualidade em terapia nutricional de recém-nascidos pré-termo internados em uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal / Quality indicators in nutritional therapy of preterm newborns admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Introdução: Os indicadores de qualidade são estabelecidos como consequência das experiências, do controle e da organização das equipes e são usados para se obter resposta do quão próximo um determinado processo está do objetivo final, devendo exprimir, em números, o desempenho da terapia nutricional, permitindo ações corretivas, evitando as complicações e efeitos adversos. Objetivo: Analisar quais indicadores de qualidade em terapia nutricional são sensíveis para monitorização do serviço e prevenção de desfechos indesejados em uma unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal. Métodos: 81 recém-nascidos prematuros, internados em uma unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal, foram divididos em dois grupos, de acordo com o peso ao nascimento. Os indicadores de qualidade da terapia foram selecionados conforme as características da população e sua importância clínica em: tempo para início da terapia nutricional, tempo para atingir as necessidades energéticas, adequação energética e proteica, déficit energético cumulativo, adequação da fórmula nutricional, períodos de jejum, resíduo gástrico diário. Para análise estatística se testou a normalidade pelo teste de Skewness e Shapiro- Wilk. As variáveis foram confrontadas entre os grupos pelo teste t ou Mann Whitney. A associação das variáveis categorizadas foi avaliada pelo teste exato de Fischer. Resultados: Observou-se diferenças significativas entre a terapia nutricional e o estado nutricional entre os grupos 1 e 2; sensibilidade dos indicadores tempo para início da terapia nutricional, adequação energética e proteica, déficit energético cumulativo, jejum prolongado e adequação do resíduo gástrico. Discussão: os resultados apontam para a necessidade de aperfeiçoamento, monitorização e padronização de técnicas dentro da unidade intensiva. Sugere-se o monitoramento dos indicadores: tempo para início da TN; adequação energética e proteica; déficit energético cumulativo; jejum prolongado e adequação do resíduo gástrico. : Recomenda-se a implantação dos indicadores avaliados para a melhoria da qualidade da terapia nutricional e diminuição da prevalência de desfechos indesejados

Introduction: Quality indicators are established as a consequence of control, organization and team's experience. They are used to know how close to the objective the process is, and allow to express the nutritional therapy performance, opportunizing corrective actions, avoiding complications and adverse effects. Objective: To analyze which quality indicators of nutritional therapy can be implemented in a neonatal intensive care unit for monitoring the service and prevent unwanted outcomes. Methods: 81 preterm infants, hospitalized in a neonatal intensive care unit, were divided into two groups according to their birth weight. The quality indicators initially selected to be studied were: time to start nutritional therapy, time to meet energy needs, energy and protein adequacy, cumulative energy deficit, adequacy of nutritional formula, fasting periods, daily gastric residual volume. Statistical analysis was performed using the Skewness test and Shapiro-Wilk test. The variables were compared between groups by the T-test and the Mann Whitney test. The association of the categorized variables was evaluated by Fischer's exact test. Results: It was observed significant differences between nutritional therapy and nutritional status in group 1 and 2, and sensitivity of the indicators: time to start nutritional therapy, energy and protein adequacy, cumulative energy deficit, prolonged fasting and adequacy of the gastric residual volume. Discussion: the results points that the use of quality indicators promotes techniques improvement, monitoring and standardization in the intensive unit. It is suggested to monitor: time to start TN; energy and protein adequacy; cumulative energy deficit; prolonged fasting and adequacy of the gastric residue. Conclusions: It is recommended to deploy these indicators to improve nutritional therapy quality and to reduce unwanted outcomes

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Impact of prematurity and nutrition on the developing gut microbiome and preterm infant growth.

BACKGROUND: Identification of factors that influence the neonatal gut microbiome is urgently needed to guide clinical practices that support growth of healthy preterm infants. Here, we examined the influence of nutrition and common practices on the gut microbiota and growth in a cohort of preterm infants. RESULTS: With weekly gut microbiota samples spanning postmenstrual age (PMA) 24 to 46 weeks, we developed two models to test associations between the microbiota, nutrition and growth: a categorical model with three successive microbiota phases (P1, P2, and P3) and a model with two periods (early and late PMA) defined by microbiota composition and PMA, respectively. The more significant associations with phase led us to use a phase-based framework for the majority of our analyses. Phase transitions were characterized by rapid shifts in the microbiota, with transition out of P1 occurring nearly simultaneously with the change from meconium to normal stool. The rate of phase progression was positively associated with gestational age at birth, and delayed transition to a P3 microbiota was associated with growth failure. We found distinct bacterial metabolic functions in P1-3 and significant associations between nutrition, microbiota phase, and infant growth. CONCLUSION: The phase-dependent impact of nutrition on infant growth along with phase-specific metabolic functions suggests a pioneering potential for improving growth outcomes by tailoring nutrient intake to microbiota phase.

Variabilidad en las prácticas sobre alimentación enteral del prematuro entre hospitales españoles de la red SEN-1500 / Variability in enteral feeding practices of preterm infants among hospitals in the SEN1500 Spanish neonatal network

Introducción: La nutrición adecuada es uno de los objetivos primordiales en el manejo de los recién nacidos prematuros. Sin embargo, la falta de evidencia en cuanto a cuál es la mejor estrategia para alcanzar este objetivo da lugar a que exista una gran variabilidad en las prácticas de alimentación. Esta variabilidad podría estar relacionada con las diferencias que existen en la incidencia de complicaciones como la enterocolitis necrosante (ECN). Objetivo: Valorar la variabilidad en las prácticas sobre alimentación entre las unidades neonatales de la red SEN-1500. Método: Estudio transversal, mediante cuestionario, solicitando información sobre alimentación del recién nacido de muy bajo peso (RNMBP) (leche donada, momento de inicio, trófica, incrementos, fortificantes, probióticos) en el año 2013. Resultados: Contestaron 60/98 hospitales; la tasa de respuesta fue mayor en centros con más de 50 RNMBP/año (30/31). El 67% tienen protocolo de alimentación, el 52% refieren variabilidad en su unidad y el 25% disponen de leche donada. Se inicia la alimentación en las primeras 48 h, aunque se retrasa en las edades más bajas aun en ausencia de fallo hemodinámico. Además de la inestabilidad hemodinámica hay otras situaciones por las que se demora su inicio (ausencia de leche materna, CIR, flujo umbilical alterado, asfixia), mientras que raramente se retrasa por ausencia de meconio o por mantener un catéter umbilical. Por debajo de 25 semanas la mitad comienzan directamente con incrementos progresivos en lugar de nutrición trófica. Los incrementos raramente alcanzan 30 ml/kg/día. Casi todos usan fortificantes y vitaminas. El uso de probióticos es excepcional. Conclusiones: Existe gran variabilidad en la política de alimentación del RNMBP entre las unidades neonatales españolas. Aunque algunas diferencias en las prácticas de alimentación están justificadas por la falta de evidencia, hay intervenciones que sí han demostrado su eficacia, como disponer de un protocolo de alimentación (basado en pruebas) o tener acceso a leche donada; su implementación en todos los centros podría disminuir la incidencia de ECN y mejorar el estado nutricional de los RNMBP (AU)

Introduction: Proper nutrition is one of the primary objectives in the management of preterm infants. However, lack of evidence on the best strategy to achieve this objective has led to a great variability in feeding practices. This variability may be related to the differences in the incidence of complications, such as necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). Objective: The aim of this study is to assess the variability in clinical practice regarding enteral feeding in SEN-1500 Spanish network. Method: An observational study was conducted using a questionnaire sent out in 2013 requesting information about feeding very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates (bank milk, start time, trophic feeding, increases, fortifiers and probiotics). Results: Responses were received from 60 of the 98 hospitals. The response rate was higher in centres with more than 50VLBW/year (30/31). Just over two-thirds (67%) have feeding protocols, and 52% refer to variability within their unit. A milk bank is available in 25% of the units. First feeding occurs fairly evenly throughout first 48hours, although it is delayed in lower gestational ages, even when there is no haemodynamic failure. In addition to hemodynamic instability there are other situations when the start is delayed (absence of breast milk, CIR, altered umbilical flow, asphyxia), while it is rarely delayed by absence of meconium or maintain an umbilical catheter.Half of those under 25 weeks begin directly with progressive increases instead of trophic feeding. Increases rarely reach 30ml/kg/day. Almost all use fortification and vitamins. There was a significant use of probiotics at the time of the survey. Conclusions: There is great variability in enteral nutrition policies in VLBW in Spain. Although some differences are justified by the lack of evidence, there are other interventions that have proven to be effective, such as evidence-based protocols or access to donor milk. Implementation in all the units could reduce the incidence of NEC and improve the nutritional status (AU)

Standardized slow enteral feeding protocol reduces necrotizing enterocolitis in micropremies.

BACKGROUND: Compared to early enteral feeds, delayed introduction and slow enteral feeding advancement to reduce necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is not well studied in micropremies (<750g birth weight). METHODS: Pre-post case control study. Micropremies who followed a standardized slow enteral feeding (SSEF) protocol (September 2009 to March 2015) were compared with a similar group of historical controls (PreSSEF, January 2003 to July 2009). Enteral feeding withheld for first 10-14 days and advanced at <10 ml/kg/day in the SSEF group. RESULTS: Ninety-two infants in the SSEF group were compared with 129 PreSSEF group. Birth weight and gestational age in SSEF and PreSSEF were similar. Breast milk initiation rate was higher in SSEF (87.0 vs. 72.0%, p = 0.01) compared to PreSSEF, but were similar at full enteral feeds. Compared with PreSSEF, feeding initiation day, full enteral feeding day, parenteral nutrition days, and total central line days were longer in SSEF. There was significant reduction in NEC (1.1 vs. 16.2%, p < 0.01), surgical NEC (0.0 vs. 7.8%, p < 0.01) and NEC/death (7.6 vs. 29.5%, p < 0.01), in SSEF compared to PreSSEF. SSEF, compared to PreSSEF, had more cholestasis (41.8 vs 28.8%, p = 0.04), higher peak serum alkaline phosphatase (638 vs. 534 IU/dL, p < 0.01), but similar rates of late-onset sepsis (39.1 vs 43.4%, p = 0.53). In infants who survived to discharge, SSEF had higher discharge weight, lower extra-uterine growth restriction, and similar length of stay, compared to PreSSEF. CONCLUSIONS: A SSEF protocol significantly reduces the incidence of NEC and combined NEC/death in micropremies.

Human milk is the feeding strategy to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis!

Human milk is the preferred diet for preterm infants as it protects against a multitude of NICU challenges, specifically necrotizing enterocolitis. Infants who receive greater than 50% of mother's own milk (MOM) in the 2 weeks after birth have a significantly decreased risk of NEC. An additional factor in the recent declining rates of NEC is the increased utilization of donor human milk (DHM). This creates a bridge until MOM is readily available, thus decreasing the exposure to cow milk protein. Preterm infants are susceptible to NEC due to the immaturity of their gastrointestinal and immune systems. An exclusive human milk diet compensates for these immature systems in many ways such as lowering gastric pH, enhancing intestinal motility, decreasing epithelial permeability, and altering the composition of bacterial flora. Ideally, preterm infants should be fed human milk and avoid bovine protein. A diet consisting of human milk-based human milk fortifier is one way to provide the additional nutritional supplements necessary for adequate growth while receiving the protective benefits of a human milk diet.

Indicaciones de la nutrición parenteral / Indications for parenteral nutrition

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Reducción de la enterocolitis necrosante tras la introducción de un protocolo de alimentación enteral basado en la evidencia en recién nacidos de muy bajo peso / Reduction in necrotising enterocolitis after implementing an evidence-based enteral nutrition protocol in very low birth weight newborns

INTRODUCCIÓN: En nuestro hospital asistimos a un incremento inesperado en la incidencia de enterocolitis necrosante (ECN). Por si nuestra política de alimentación estaba influyendo, se realizó e implementó una guía de práctica clínica (GPC) de alimentación enteral del recién nacido de muy bajo peso al nacimiento (RNMBP). OBJETIVO: Valorar el impacto del nuevo régimen de alimentación en la incidencia de ECN. MÉTODO: Estudio antes (2011) y después (mayo del 2012-abril del 2013) de la introducción del nuevo protocolo de alimentación, que incluye: inicio de la alimentación enteral en ausencia de problema hemodinámico; periodo de nutrición trófica de 5-7 días, incrementos posteriores de 20-30ml/kg/día; leche materna/banco desde el inicio. No se utilizaron probióticos. La variable principal a estudio fue la incidencia de ECN ≥ II de Bell. Variables secundarias: perforación focal, mortalidad global y atribuida a ECN, sepsis nosocomial; peso a los 28 días y 36 semanas; % de RN con peso < p10 al alta; estancia hospitalaria. RESULTADOS: Doscientos setenta RNMBP, 155 antes y 115 después. La ECN descendió significativamente (12/155 vs. 1/115, p = 0,008); la mortalidad se redujo (17,4% vs. 7,8%, p = 0,02); en 4 casos la ECN formó parte de la secuencia que condujo a la muerte en la primera cohorte; ninguno en la segunda. No hubo diferencias en la incidencia de perforación intestinal focal ni en las otras variables secundarias analizadas. CONCLUSIONES: La protocolización del régimen de alimentación enteral con la máxima evidencia disponible produce un descenso en incidencia de ECN sin incrementar la estancia hospitalaria o la incidencia de sepsis

INTRODUCTION: An unexpected increase in the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) cases was observed in our hospital. Just in case, our feeding policy could be responsible, it was decided to conduct a systematic review and develop a clinical guideline regarding enteral nutrition of very low birth weight infants (VLBW). OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of the new feeding protocol in the incidence of NEC. Method. A «before» (2011) and «after» (May 2012 - April 2013) study was performed on the new feeding protocol. This included initiation of enteral feeding in the absence of haemodynamic problems, a trophic feeding period of 5-7 days, and subsequent increments of 20-30ml/kg/day, of breast milk/donor human milk from the beginning. Probiotics were not administered. Primary outcome: incidence of NEC II 2 Bell's stage. Secondary outcomes: focal intestinal perforation, overall mortality and mortality due to NEC, nosocomial sepsis; weight at 28 days and 36 weeks; % of infants with weight Results. Of the 270 VLBW infants, 155 were included in the «before» group, and 115 in the «after» group. NEC significantly decreased (12/155 vs 1/115, P=.008). A decrease in mortality rate was also observed (17.4% vs 7.8%, P=.02). In four cases NEC was part of the sequence of events that led to death in the first cohort, with none in the second. There was no difference in the incidence of focal intestinal perforation or of the other secondary variables analysed. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation of an evidence-based enteral feeding protocol leads to a decrease in incidence of NEC, without increasing hospital stay or the incidence of sepsis

Lactobacillus Sepsis following a Laparotomy in a Preterm Infant: A Note of Caution.

Probiotics for preterm infants have been shown to reduce the incidence of necrotising enterocolitis and all-cause mortality in a recent meta-analysis. It has been argued, however, that some of these results may not be applicable to specific subgroups, e.g. infants with a birth weight of <1,000 g. The specific role of probiotics in improving health outcomes in preterm and term infants following intestinal surgery is not well defined. We report a case of a premature infant diagnosed with late-onset sepsis due to Lactobacillus rhamnosus following a laparotomy. We review pertinent published cases. This case highlights the importance of considering preterm infants as being at a higher risk of systemic probiotic infection following intestinal surgery.

Synbiotics for decreasing incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis among preterm neonates - a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of synbiotics in reducing incidence and severity of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) among preterm neonates. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital, south India, included 220 enterally fed preterm neonates who were randomized to receive either synbiotics or no intervention. The synbiotic contained Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and fructo-oligosaccharide. The demographic parameters, risk factors for NEC and outcome including incidence of NEC, its severity, sepsis and mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: Multiple pregnancies, preeclampsia and prolonged rupture of membranes were important maternal characteristics. The average birth weight and gestational age of the preterm neonates was 1.4 kg and 31 weeks, respectively. There was a 50% reduction in the incidence of NEC of all stages in preterm infants who received synbiotics compared to the non-intervention group (7.4% versus 14.5%). Administration of synbiotics did not reduce the severity of NEC, sepsis or mortality. CONCLUSION: Enteral supplementation of synbiotics along with breastmilk results in a tendancy to decrease the incidence of NEC among preterm neonates.

Comparison of Lactobacillus reuteri and nystatin prophylaxis on Candida colonization and infection in very low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of orally administered Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) versus nystatin in prevention of fungal colonization and invasive candidiasis in very low birth weight infants. METHODS: A prospective, randomized comparative study was conducted in preterm infants with a gestational age of ≤32 weeks and birth weight of ≤1500 g. Patients were randomized into two groups, to receive L. reuteri or nystatin. Skin and stool cultures were performed once a week for colonization and blood cultures for invasive infections. The trial was registered to ClinicalTrials.gov under identifier NCT01531192. RESULTS: A total of 300 preterm infants were enrolled (n = 150, for each group). Gastrointestinal colonization and skin colonization rates were not significantly different between the groups (18.7% versus 16%, p = 0.54 and 14% versus 12%, p = 0.6, respectively). Invasive candidiasis was detected in two patients of the probiotic group and one patient of the antifungal group. Proven sepsis, feeding intolerance, and duration of hospitalization were significantly lower in the probiotics group than in the antifungal group. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic L. reuteri supplementation is as effective as nystatin, and more effective in reducing the incidence of proven sepsis in addition to its favorable effect on feeding intolerance.