Prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Through Manipulation of the Intestinal Microbiota of the Premature Infant.

2016-04
Clinical therapeutics 38(4)
- Kannikar Vongbhavit
- Mark A Underwood

PubMed: 26872618
DOI: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2016.01.006

Study Design

Type: Review
Population: premature infants
Methods: review of evidence and summary of published English language clinical trials and cohort studies

Purpose

In spite of four decades of research, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains the most common gastrointestinal complication in premature infants with high mortality and long-term morbidity. The composition of the intestinal microbiota of the premature infant differs dramatically from that of the healthy term infant and appears to be an important risk factor for NEC.

Methods

We review the evidence of an association between intestinal dysbiosis and NEC and summarize published English language clinical trials and cohort studies involving attempts to manipulate the intestinal microbiota in premature infants.

Findings

Promising NEC prevention strategies that alter the intestinal microbiota include probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics, lacteroferrin, and human milk feeding.

Implications

Shaping the intestinal microbiota of the premature infant through human milk feeding and dietary supplements decreases the risk of NEC. Further studies to identify the ideal microbial composition and the most effective combination of supplements are indicated.