Çocuk Sağlığı ve Hastalıkları Dergisi
2012 , Vol 55 , Num 4
Probiotics in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants
Ege Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Pediatri Profesörü
Development of a balanced intestinal flora is related with the mode of
delivery and the diet within the first days. The newborn intestine is sterile,
and diarrheal and other infections are frequent due to increased permeability,
lack of secretory (s)IgA and immune experience. Flora, consisting of grampositive
lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria due to vaginal birth and breast-feeding,
positively contribute to the immune system and infant health. Among preterm
infants, the development of healthy flora is delayed due to cesarean birth,
lower chance of receiving human milk, colonizing pathogenic microorganisms
of the intensive care unit, and antibiotics, and thus the risk of necrotizing
enterocolitis is high. Evaluating the results of 16 studies in 2,842 preterm
infants, the Cochrane metaanalysis 2011 showed that enteral probiotic
supplementation decreased the incidence of severe necrotizing enterocolitis
(stage 2 or more) and reduced all-cause mortality. No infection was observed
with the supplemented organism.
Anahtar Kelimeler :
prematüre, nekrotizan enterokolit, probiyotik.