Therapeutic effect of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 on feeding intolerance in preterm infants.

2023-02-04
Archives of medical science : AMS 21(6)

PubMed: 41684579
DOI: 10.5114/aoms/159991

Study Design

Type: Observational
Sample size: n = 56
Population: Fifty-six preterm infants delivered between January 2016 and May 2022
Methods: retrospective study; scheme A (adjusted feeding [micro-feeding and intermittent feeding] and oral exercise intervention) versus scheme B (specific probiotics [Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938] given on the basis of scheme A)

Introduction

Preterm infants have an immature gastrointestinal tract with incomplete establishment of intestinal flora; therefore, they are highly prone to feeding intolerance. The objective of the study was to observe the therapeutic effect of specific probiotics (Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938) on feeding intolerance in preterm infants.

Material and methods

Fifty-six preterm infants delivered between January 2016 and May 2022 were enrolled in this retrospective study. We analysed the clinical data of these children and followed up their treatment outcomes by telephone for 3 to 6 months after discharge. The treatment schemes were scheme A (n = 28), which included adjusted feeding (micro-feeding and intermittent feeding) and oral exercise intervention, and scheme B (n = 28), in which specific probiotics (L. reuteri DSM 17938) were given on the basis of scheme A.

Results

Among the 56 children were 31 males and 25 females. In scheme B, the duration of switching from intravenous nutrition to full enteral feeding at a gestational age of > 28 weeks and a birth weight of ≤ 1,500 g was significantly different from that in scheme A (p < 0.05). The duration of vomiting at a gestational age of > 28 weeks was also significantly different from that of scheme A. There were statistically significant differences in the treatment effect of feeding intolerance in the preterm infants.

Conclusions

Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 combined with the routine treatment of premature infants with feeding intolerance has a better effect. Returning to normal feeding as soon as possible can reduce the incidence of gastrointestinal complications and promote growth in preterm infants.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938	—	Improved Feeding Tolerance	Beneficial	Moderate	View source In scheme B, the duration of switching from intravenous nutrition to full enteral feeding ... was significantly different from that in scheme A (p < 0.05). The duration of vomiting ... was also significantly different ... There were statistically significant differences in the treatment effect of feeding intolerance in the preterm infants.