Prophylactic oral probiotic on prevention of feeding intolerance in Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) neonates: Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Feeding intolerance is prevalent in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates and is a barrier for better and faster growth in these neonates. Some studies have supported the administration of oral probiotic to decrease feeding intolerance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of probiotic on feeding intolerance in VLBW neonates. Methods: This randomized clinical trial study was conducted on 60 VLBW neonates who were randomly divided into two equal groups. In the case group, the infants received probiotic in addition to routine therapy. Duration of hospitalization, time to reach to full enteral feeding and birth weight, the numbers of vomiting and defecation, c-reactive protein rising, daily weight gain were compared between two groups. Results: No significant differences were observed between two groups in regard with gender, birth weight, method of delivery and gestational age. Mean of duration of hospitalization was 42.27 and 31.6 days in control and drug groups, respectively and there was significant difference (P-value=0.005). There was no significant difference between two groups in terms of reaching full enteral feeding, the numbers of vomiting and defecation, time to reach to birth weight, CRP rising and  daily weight gain but these results were better in probiotic group. Conclusions: This study showed that prophylactic administration of probiotic had significant role in reducing the duration of hospitalization of VLBW neonates and was effective in reaching full enteral feeding. It is suggested that the administration of probiotic can be helpful for feeding tolerance in VLBW neonates.