Pediatrics

Probiotics linked to reduced mortality in preterm infants

February 13, 2025

Study details: This population-based retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 32,667 preterm infants admitted to 33 Canadian Neonatal Network units between January 2016 and December 2022. Infants were divided into two groups: those who received probiotics (57.5%) and those who didn’t (42.5%).

Results: Probiotics were associated with a significant reduction in mortality (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.62; 98.3% confidence interval [CI], 0.53–0.73) but didn’t significantly decrease rates of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (aOR, 0.92; 98.3% CI, 0.78–1.09) or late-onset sepsis (aOR, 0.90; 98.3% CI, 0.80–1.01). In infants with a birth weight <1,000 g, probiotics also reduced mortality (aOR, 0.58; 98.3% CI, 0.47–0.71) but had no significant effect on NEC or sepsis rates. Probiotic sepsis was rare, occurring in 1.4/1,000 infants born before 34 weeks and 4/1,000 infants with a birth weight <1,000 g.

Clinical impact: Probiotics can be considered to reduce mortality in preterm infants, particularly those with birth weight <1,000 g. However, their limited effect on NEC and sepsis, along with the rare occurrence of probiotic sepsis, should be carefully weighed in clinical decision-making.

Source:

Alshaikh BN, et al; Canadian Neonatal Network Investigators. (2025, February 12). Pediatrics. Effectiveness and Risks of Probiotics in Preterm Infants. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39933567/