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Younge N. Influence of infant microbiome on health and development. Clin Exp Pediatr 2024; 67:224-231. [PMID: 37605538 PMCID: PMC11065641 DOI: 10.3345/cep.2023.00598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The microbiome is a complex ecosystem comprising microbes, their genomes, and the surrounding environment. The microbiome plays a critical role in early human development, including maturation of the host immune system and gastrointestinal tract. Multiple factors, including diet, anti-biotic use, and other environmental exposures, influence the establishment of the microbiome during infancy. Numerous studies have identified associations between the microbiome and neonatal diseases, including necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, and malnutrition. Furthermore, there is compelling evidence that perturbation of the microbiome in early life can have lasting developmental effects that increase an individual's risk for immune and metabolic diseases in later life. Supplementation of the microbiome with probiotics reduces the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis and sepsis in at-risk infants. This review focuses on the structure and function of the infant microbiome, the environmental and clinical factors that influence its assembly, and its impact on infant health and development.
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Hanna M, Ahmad I, Yanowitz T, Kim J, Hunter C, DiGeronimo R, Ahmad KA, Sullivan K, Markel TA, Hair AB, Chaaban H, Pammi M, Huff KA, Jasani B, Fuchs L, Cuna A, Garg PM, Reber K, Premkumar MH. Current Patterns of Probiotic Use in U.S. Neonatal Intensive Care Units: A Multi-Institution Survey. Am J Perinatol 2024; 41:e2658-e2665. [PMID: 37494969 DOI: 10.1055/a-2140-8727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Probiotic supplementation is associated with health benefits in preterm infants. The 2021 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) statement on probiotic use advised caution, citing heterogeneity and absence of federal regulation. We assessed the impact of the AAP statement and current institution-wide patterns of probiotic use across neonatal intensive care units (NICU) across the United States. STUDY DESIGN A cross-sectional web-based institutional survey using REDCap was emailed to 430 Children's Hospital Neonatal Consortium (CHNC) and Pediatrix Medical Group institutions. The survey captured data on probiotic formulations, supplementation, initiation and cessation criteria, reasons for discontinuation, interest in initiating, and AAP statement's impact. RESULTS Ninety-five (22.1%) hospitals, including 42/46 (91%) CHNC and 53/384 (14%) Pediatrix institutions, completed the survey. Thirty-seven (39%) currently use probiotics. Fourteen different probiotic formulations were reported. The common criteria for initiation were birth weight <1,500 g and gestational age <32 weeks. Parental consent or assent was obtained at only 30% of institutions. Five hospitals (11%) with prior probiotic use discontinued solely due to the AAP statement. Overall, 23 (24%) of hospitals indicated that the AAP statement significantly influenced their decision regarding probiotic use. Nineteen of 51 nonusers (37%) are considering initiation. CONCLUSION Probiotic use in preterm infants is likely increasing in NICUs across the United States, but significant variability exists. The 2021 AAP statement had variable impact on NICUs' decision regarding probiotic use. The growing interest in adopting probiotics and the significant interhospital variability highlight the need for better regulation and consensus guidelines to ensure standardized use. KEY POINTS · Probiotic use in preterm infants is likely increasing in U.S. NICUs, but clinical variability exists.. · The AAP statement on probiotic use in preterm infants had a modest impact on current practices.. · There's a need for better product regulation and consensus guidelines to ensure standardized use..
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Affiliation(s)
- Morcos Hanna
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Irfan Ahmad
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Hospitals Orange County, Orange, California
| | - Toby Yanowitz
- Division of Neonatology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jae Kim
- Division of Neonatology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Catherine Hunter
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, Oklahoma Children's Hospital, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Robert DiGeronimo
- Division of Neonatology, University of Washington School of Medicine and Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, Washington
| | - Kaashif A Ahmad
- Department of Pediatrics, Pediatrix and Obstetrix Specialists of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Kevin Sullivan
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Division of Neonatology, Nemours/AI duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware
| | - Troy A Markel
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Amy B Hair
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Hala Chaaban
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Mohan Pammi
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Katie A Huff
- Division of Neonatology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Bonny Jasani
- Division of Neonatology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Lynn Fuchs
- Department of Pediatrics, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Division of Neonatology, Nemours/AI duPont Hospital for Children, Wilmington, Delaware
| | - Alain Cuna
- Division of Neonatology, Children's Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Parvesh M Garg
- Division of Neonatology, Wake Forest University, Winston Salem, North Carolina
| | - Kristina Reber
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Muralidhar H Premkumar
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Kruth SS, Willers C, Persad E, Sjöström ES, Lagerström SR, Rakow A. Probiotic supplementation and risk of necrotizing enterocolitis and mortality among extremely preterm infants-the Probiotics in Extreme Prematurity in Scandinavia (PEPS) trial: study protocol for a multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, and registry-based randomized controlled trial. Trials 2024; 25:259. [PMID: 38610034 PMCID: PMC11015611 DOI: 10.1186/s13063-024-08088-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extremely preterm infants, defined as those born before 28 weeks' gestational age, are a very vulnerable patient group at high risk for adverse outcomes, such as necrotizing enterocolitis and death. Necrotizing enterocolitis is an inflammatory gastrointestinal disease with high incidence in this cohort and has severe implications on morbidity and mortality. Previous randomized controlled trials have shown reduced incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis among older preterm infants following probiotic supplementation. However, these trials were underpowered for extremely preterm infants, rendering evidence for probiotic supplementation in this population insufficient to date. METHODS The Probiotics in Extreme Prematurity in Scandinavia (PEPS) trial is a multicenter, double-blinded, placebo-controlled and registry-based randomized controlled trial conducted among extremely preterm infants (n = 1620) born at six tertiary neonatal units in Sweden and four units in Denmark. Enrolled infants will be allocated to receive either probiotic supplementation with ProPrems® (Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Streptococcus thermophilus) diluted in 3 mL breastmilk or placebo (0.5 g maltodextrin powder) diluted in 3 mL breastmilk per day until gestational week 34. The primary composite outcome is incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis and/or mortality. Secondary outcomes include incidence of late-onset sepsis, length of hospitalization, use of antibiotics, feeding tolerance, growth, and body composition at age of full-term and 3 months corrected age after hospital discharge. DISCUSSION Current recommendations for probiotic supplementation in Sweden and Denmark do not include extremely preterm infants due to lack of evidence in this population. However, this young subgroup is notably the most at risk for experiencing adverse outcomes. This trial aims to investigate the effects of probiotic supplementation on necrotizing enterocolitis, death, and other relevant outcomes to provide sufficiently powered, high-quality evidence to inform probiotic supplementation guidelines in this population. The results could have implications for clinical practice both in Sweden and Denmark and worldwide. TRIAL REGISTRATION ( Clinicaltrials.gov ): NCT05604846.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Söderquist Kruth
- Women's Health and Allied Health Professional Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, 17176, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl Willers
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, 14152, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Emma Persad
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Susanne Rautiainen Lagerström
- Department of Global Public Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- K2 Medicin, Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander Rakow
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Neonatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, 17176, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Calvo LN, Greenberg RG, Gray KD. Safety and Effectiveness of Probiotics in Preterm Infants with Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Neoreviews 2024; 25:e193-e206. [PMID: 38556491 DOI: 10.1542/neo.25-3-e193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Although necrotizing enterocolitis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among preterm infants, its underlying pathophysiology is not fully understood. Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance between commensal and pathogenic microbes, in the preterm infant is likely a major contributor to the development of necrotizing enterocolitis. In this review, we will discuss the increasing use of probiotics in the NICU, an intervention aimed to mitigate alterations in the gut microbiome. We will review the existing evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of probiotics, and their potential to reduce rates of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Calvo
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Rachel G Greenberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Keyaria D Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
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Calvo LN, Greenberg RG, Gray KD. Safety and Effectiveness of Probiotics in Preterm Infants with Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Neoreviews 2024; 25:e193-e206. [PMID: 38556499 DOI: 10.1542/neo.25-4-e193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Although necrotizing enterocolitis is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among preterm infants, its underlying pathophysiology is not fully understood. Gut dysbiosis, an imbalance between commensal and pathogenic microbes, in the preterm infant is likely a major contributor to the development of necrotizing enterocolitis. In this review, we will discuss the increasing use of probiotics in the NICU, an intervention aimed to mitigate alterations in the gut microbiome. We will review the existing evidence regarding the safety and effectiveness of probiotics, and their potential to reduce rates of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura N Calvo
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | - Rachel G Greenberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC
| | - Keyaria D Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
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Trivedi A, Teo E, Walker KS. Probiotics for the postoperative management of term neonates after gastrointestinal surgery. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 1:CD012265. [PMID: 38258877 PMCID: PMC10804440 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd012265.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The intestinal microflora has an essential role in providing a barrier against colonisation of pathogens, facilitating important metabolic functions, stimulating the development of the immune system, and maintaining intestinal motility. Probiotics are live microorganisms that can be administered to supplement the gut flora. Neonates who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery are particularly susceptible to infectious complications in the postoperative period. This may be partly due to a disruption of the integrity of the gut and its intestinal microflora. There may be a role for probiotics in reducing the incidence of sepsis and improving intestinal motility, thus reducing morbidity and mortality and improving enteral feeding in neonates in the postoperative period. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the efficacy and safety of administering probiotics after gastrointestinal surgery for the postoperative management of neonates born from 35 weeks of gestation. SEARCH METHODS We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and trial registries in August 2023. We checked reference lists of included studies and relevant systematic reviews for additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the postoperative administration of oral probiotics versus placebo or no treatment in neonates born from 35 weeks of gestation who had one or more gastrointestinal surgical procedures. We applied no restrictions regarding the type or dosage of probiotics or the duration of treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methods, and we used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence. MAIN RESULTS We identified one RCT that recruited 61 neonates with a gestational age of 35 weeks or more. All infants were admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit and had surgery for gastrointestinal pathologies. There may be little or no difference in proven sepsis (positive bacterial culture, local or systemic) between infants who receive probiotics compared with those who receive placebo (odds ratio (OR) 0.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.16 to 2.55; 61 infants; low-certainty evidence). Probiotics compared to placebo may have little or no effect on time to full enteral feeds (mean difference (MD) 0.63 days, 95% CI -4.02 to 5.28; 61 infants; low-certainty evidence). There were no reported deaths prior to discharge from hospital in either study arm. Two weeks after supplementation, the infants who received probiotics had a substantially higher relative abundance of non-pathogenic intestinal microflora (Bifidobacteriaceae) than those who received placebo (MD 38.22, 95% CI 28.40 to 48.04; 39 infants; low-certainty evidence). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review provides low-certainty evidence from one small RCT that probiotics compared to placebo have little or no effect on the risk of proven sepsis (positive bacterial culture, local or systemic) or time to full-enteral feeds in neonates who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery. Probiotics may substantially increase the abundance of beneficial bacterial in the intestine of these neonates, but the clinical implications of this finding are unknown. There is a need for adequately powered RCTs to assess the role of probiotics in this population. We identified two ongoing studies. As neither reported the gestational age of prospective study participants, we are unsure if they will be eligible for inclusion in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Trivedi
- Grace Centre for Newborn Intensive Care, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Edward Teo
- Emergency Department, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Karen S Walker
- Neonatal intensive Care Unit, Royal Prince Alfred hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Wang Y, Florez ID, Morgan RL, Foroutan F, Chang Y, Crandon HN, Zeraatkar D, Bala MM, Mao RQ, Tao B, Shahid S, Wang X, Beyene J, Offringa M, Sherman PM, El Gouhary E, Guyatt GH, Sadeghirad B. Probiotics, Prebiotics, Lactoferrin, and Combination Products for Prevention of Mortality and Morbidity in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis. JAMA Pediatr 2023; 177:1158-1167. [PMID: 37782505 PMCID: PMC10546299 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.3849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Importance Modulation of intestinal microbiome by administering probiotics, prebiotics, or both may prevent morbidity and mortality in premature infants. Objective To assess the comparative effectiveness of alternative prophylactic strategies through a network meta-analysis (NMA) of randomized clinical trials. Data Sources MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Citation Index Expanded, CINAHL, Scopus, Cochrane CENTRAL, and Google Scholar from inception until May 10, 2023. Study Selection Eligible trials tested probiotics, prebiotics, lactoferrin, and combination products for prevention of morbidity or mortality in preterm infants. Data Extraction and Synthesis A frequentist random-effects model was used for the NMA, and the certainty of evidence and inferences regarding relative effectiveness were assessed using the GRADE approach. Main Outcomes and Measures All-cause mortality, severe necrotizing enterocolitis, culture-proven sepsis, feeding intolerance, time to reach full enteral feeding, and duration of hospitalization. Results A total of 106 trials involving 25 840 preterm infants were included. Only multiple-strain probiotics were associated with reduced all-cause mortality compared with placebo (risk ratio [RR], 0.69; 95% CI, 0.56 to 0.86; risk difference [RD], -1.7%; 95% CI, -2.4% to -0.8%). Multiple-strain probiotics alone (vs placebo: RR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.30 to 0.50; RD, -3.7%; 95% CI, -4.1% to -2.9%) or in combination with oligosaccharides (vs placebo: RR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.37; RD, -5.1%; 95% CI, -5.6% to -3.7%) were among the most effective interventions reducing severe necrotizing enterocolitis. Single-strain probiotics in combination with lactoferrin (vs placebo RR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.78; RD, -10.7%; 95% CI, -13.7% to -3.5%) were the most effective intervention for reducing sepsis. Multiple-strain probiotics alone (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.80; RD, -10.0%; 95% CI, -13.9% to -5.1%) or in combination with oligosaccharides (RR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.29 to 0.67; RD, -14.1%; 95% CI, -18.3% to -8.5%) and single-strain probiotics (RR, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.51 to 0.72; RD, -10.0%; 95% CI, -12.6% to -7.2%) proved of best effectiveness in reduction of feeding intolerance vs placebo. Single-strain probiotics (MD, -1.94 days; 95% CI, -2.96 to -0.92) and multistrain probiotics (MD, -2.03 days; 95% CI, -3.04 to -1.02) proved the most effective in reducing the time to reach full enteral feeding compared with placebo. Only single-strain and multistrain probiotics were associated with greater effectiveness compared with placebo in reducing duration of hospitalization (MD, -3.31 days; 95% CI, -5.05 to -1.58; and MD, -2.20 days; 95% CI, -4.08 to -0.31, respectively). Conclusions and Relevance In this systematic review and NMA, moderate- to high-certainty evidence demonstrated an association between multistrain probiotics and reduction in all-cause mortality; these interventions were also associated with the best effectiveness for other key outcomes. Combination products, including single- and multiple-strain probiotics combined with prebiotics or lactoferrin, were associated with the largest reduction in morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Wang
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ivan D. Florez
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
- Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Clínica Las Americas-AUNA, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Rebecca L. Morgan
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Farid Foroutan
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yaping Chang
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Holly N. Crandon
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Pain Research and Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dena Zeraatkar
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Malgorzata M. Bala
- Department of Hygiene and Dietetics, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Krakow, Poland
| | - Randi Q. Mao
- Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brendan Tao
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Shaneela Shahid
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiaoqin Wang
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Pain Research and Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joseph Beyene
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Martin Offringa
- Child Health Evaluative Sciences, Hospital for Sick Children Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Philip M. Sherman
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Hospital for Sick Children, Department of Paediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Enas El Gouhary
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gordon H. Guyatt
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Behnam Sadeghirad
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact (HEI), McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Pain Research and Care, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Feng B, Zhang Z, Wei Q, Mo Y, Luo M, Jing L, Li Y. A prediction model for neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm and very low birth weight infants. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1242978. [PMID: 37920794 PMCID: PMC10619757 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1242978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a severe gastrointestinal disease that primarily affects preterm and very low birth weight infants, with high morbidity and mortality. We aim to build a reliable prediction model to predict the risk of NEC in preterm and very low birth weight infants. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of medical data from infants (gestational age <32 weeks, birth weight <1,500 g) admitted to Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. We collected clinical data, randomly dividing it into an 8:2 ratio for training and testing. Multivariate logistic regression was employed to identify significant predictors for NEC. Principal component analysis was used for dimensionality reduction of numerical variables. The prediction model was constructed through logistic regression, incorporating all relevant variables. Subsequently, we calculated performance evaluation metrics, including Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and confusion matrices. Additionally, we conducted model performance comparisons with common machine learning models to establish its superiority. Results A total of 292 infants were included, with 20% (n = 58) randomly selected for external validation. Multivariate logistic regression revealed the significance of four predictors for NEC in preterm and very low birth weight infants: temperature (P = 0.003), Apgar score at 5 min (P = 0.004), formula feeding (P = 0.007), and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM, P = 0.033). The model achieved an accuracy of 82.46% in the test set with an F1 score of 0.90, outperforming other machine learning models (support vector machine, random forest). Conclusions Our logistic regression model effectively predicts NEC risk in preterm and very low birth weight infants, as confirmed by external validation. Key predictors include temperature, Apgar score at 5 min, formula feeding, and GDM. This study provides a vital tool for NEC risk assessment in this population, potentially improving early interventions and child survival. However, clinical validation and further research are necessary for practical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoying Feng
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Disease, Nanning, China
| | - Zhihui Zhang
- Department of Applied Mathematics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Qiufen Wei
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Disease, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Mo
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Disease, Nanning, China
| | - Mengmeng Luo
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Lianfang Jing
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Disease, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Li
- Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
- Guangxi Clinical Research Center for Pediatric Disease, Nanning, China
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Healy DB, Campbell-Green B, Livingstone V, Ryan CA, Ross RP, Stanton C, Dempsey EM. Neonatal outcomes following introduction of routine probiotic supplementation to very preterm infants. Acta Paediatr 2023; 112:2093-2101. [PMID: 37505464 DOI: 10.1111/apa.16923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate the combined outcome of death and/or severe grade necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) in very preterm infants admitted to Cork University Maternity Hospital, Ireland, before and after introduction of routine supplementation with Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus probiotics (Infloran®). METHODS A retrospective study of infants <32 weeks gestation and < 1500 g surviving beyond 72 h of life was performed. Two 6-year epochs; pre-probiotics (Epoch 1: 2008-2013) and with probiotics (Epoch 2: 2015-2020), were evaluated. The primary outcome was defined as death after 72 h or NEC Bell stage 2a or greater. RESULTS Seven-hundred-and-forty-four infants were included (Epoch 1: 391, Epoch 2: 353). The primary outcome occurred in 67 infants (Epoch 1: 37, Epoch 2: 30, p = 0.646). After adjustment, the difference was significant (OR [95% CI]: 0.53 [0.29 to 0.97], p = 0.038). Differences between epochs did not depend on gestational age group (<28 weeks; ≥28 weeks). CONCLUSION There was an associated reduction of the composite outcome of severe grade NEC and/or death, after adjustment for confounding variables, with introduction of routine administration of a B. bifidum and L. acidophilus probiotic at our institution.
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Affiliation(s)
- David B Healy
- APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Vicki Livingstone
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - C Anthony Ryan
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Catherine Stanton
- APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC, Cork, Ireland
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Fermoy, Ireland
| | - Eugene M Dempsey
- APC Microbiome Ireland, UCC, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- INFANT Research Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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10
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Scheese DJ, Sodhi CP, Hackam DJ. New insights into the pathogenesis of necrotizing enterocolitis and the dawn of potential therapeutics. Semin Pediatr Surg 2023; 32:151309. [PMID: 37290338 PMCID: PMC10330774 DOI: 10.1016/j.sempedsurg.2023.151309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a devastating gastrointestinal disorder in premature infants that causes significant morbidity and mortality. Research efforts into the pathogenesis of NEC have discovered a pivotal role for the gram-negative bacterial receptor, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), in its development. TLR4 is activated by dysbiotic microbes within the intestinal lumen, which leads to an exaggerated inflammatory response within the developing intestine, resulting in mucosal injury. More recently, studies have identified that the impaired intestinal motility that occurs early in NEC has a causative role in disease development, as strategies to enhance intestinal motility can reverse NEC in preclinical models. There has also been broad appreciation that NEC also contributes to significant neuroinflammation, which we have linked to the effects of gut-derived pro-inflammatory molecules and immune cells which activate microglia in the developing brain, resulting in white matter injury. These findings suggest that the management of the intestinal inflammation may secondarily be neuroprotective. Importantly, despite the significant burden of NEC on premature infants, these and other studies have provided a strong rationale for the development of small molecules with the capability of reducing NEC severity in pre-clinical models, thus guiding the development of specific anti-NEC therapies. This review summarizes the roles of TLR4 signaling in the premature gut in the pathogenesis of NEC, and provides insights into optimal clinical management strategies based upon findings from laboratory studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Scheese
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Chhinder P Sodhi
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - David J Hackam
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 1800 Orleans St, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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Abstract
The last decade has witnessed a meteoric rise in research focused on characterizing the human microbiome and identifying associations with disease risk. The advent of sequencing technology has all but eradicated gel-based fingerprinting approaches for studying microbial ecology, while at the same time traditional microbiological culture is undergoing a renaissance. Although multiplexed high-throughput sequencing is relatively new, the discoveries leading to this are nearly 50 years old, coinciding with the inaugural Microbiology Society Fleming Prize lecture. It was an honour to give the 2022 Fleming Prize lecture and this review will cover the topics from that lecture. The focus will be on the bacterial community in early life, beginning with term infants before moving on to infants delivered prematurely. The review will discuss recent work showing how human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), an abundant but non-nutritious component of breast milk, can modulate infant microbiome and promote the growth of Bifidobacterium spp. This has important connotations for preterm infants at risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, a devastating intestinal disease representing the leading cause of death and long-term morbidity in this population. With appropriate mechanistic studies, it may be possible to harness the power of breast milk bioactive factors and infant gut microbiome to improve short- and long-term health in infants.
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Chiruvolu A, Hendrikson H, Hanson R, Reedy A, Reis J, Desai S, Suterwala M. Effects of prophylactic probiotics supplementation on infants born very preterm or very low birth weight. J Perinatol 2023; 43:635-641. [PMID: 36997802 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-023-01657-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of guideline-driven prophylactic supplementation of a multi-strain neonatal intensive care unit-specific probiotic product on infants born very preterm (VP) or very low birth weight (VLBW). STUDY DESIGN A prospective cohort of 125 infants born in one year after implementation who received probiotics were compared to a retrospective cohort of eligible 126 VP or VLBW infants who did not receive probiotics. The primary outcome of interest was necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). RESULT The incidence of NEC decreased from 6.3 to 1.6%. After adjusting for multiple variables, there were no significant differences in primary or other outcomes of interest; odds ratio (95% confidence interval) NEC 0.27 (0.05-1.33), death 0.76 (0.26-2.21) and late-onset sepsis 0.54 (0.18-1.63). No adverse effects related to probiotics supplementation were observed. CONCLUSION Although nonsignificant, prophylactic probiotics supplementation in infants born VP or VLBW was associated with reduction of NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arpitha Chiruvolu
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Pediatrix Medical Group of Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA.
- Department of Medical Education, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA.
- Department of Women and Infants, Baylor Scott and White Medical Center-McKinney, McKinney, TX, USA.
| | - Heather Hendrikson
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
- Aramark Corporation, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Rachael Hanson
- Department of Medical Education, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Amy Reedy
- Department of Women and Infants, Baylor Scott and White Medical Center-McKinney, McKinney, TX, USA
| | - Jordan Reis
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
- Pediatrix Medical Group of Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Women and Infants, Baylor Scott and White Medical Center-McKinney, McKinney, TX, USA
| | - Sujata Desai
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
- Pediatrix Medical Group of Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Mustafa Suterwala
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
- Pediatrix Medical Group of Dallas, Dallas, TX, USA
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13
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Wang H, Meng X, Xing S, Guo B, Chen Y, Pan YQ. Probiotics to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis and reduce mortality in neonates: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e32932. [PMID: 36827026 PMCID: PMC11309691 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Probiotics are gradually being used as a supplementation to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and reduce mortality in neonates. We performed an updated meta-analysis to systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of prophylactic probiotic supplementation for preventing NEC. METHODS The databases including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure were used to search the relevant articles. The latest retrieval date was up to December 2021. The meta-analysis was performed using Stata version 10.0. Finally, a total of 70 studies containing 8319 cases and 9283 controls were included. The strength of the association between the supplementation of probiotics and NEC was measured by risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Pooled effect sizes across studies were performed by a random effect model. RESULTS The results showed that the probiotics could significantly reduce the incidence of NEC (stage II or more) (RR = 0.436, 95% CI = 0.357-0.531, P < .001), the overall mortality (RR = 0.651, 95% CI = 0.506-0.836, P < .001), and NEC-related mortality (RR = 0.639, 95% CI = 0.423-0.966, P = .034). Due to the lack of sufficient sample size, we did not perform the subgroup analysis by types of probiotic strain. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis indicates that the use of probiotics can effectively reduce the occurrence of NEC and mortality in neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbo Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, China
| | - Xinyao Meng
- Department of Anatomy, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, China
| | - Shihan Xing
- Department of Anatomy, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, China
| | - Baotong Guo
- Department of Anatomy, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuhan Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Shenyang Medical College, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu-Qing Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China
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Barbian ME, Patel RM. Probiotics for prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis: Where do we stand? Semin Perinatol 2023; 47:151689. [PMID: 36621416 PMCID: PMC10201375 DOI: 10.1016/j.semperi.2022.151689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we provide a historical perspective on probiotic use in preterm infants. We review recent data on the treatment effects of probiotics on necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, and mortality. We highlight guidance statements from professional societies and organizations, discussing key points within the context of the currently available evidence from both randomized trials and cohort studies. Finally, we summarize experiences from several North American centers that have reported on the routine use of probiotics, including our center. Our goal is to highlight some of the considerations and complexities surrounding routine probiotics use in preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Estefania Barbian
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 2015 Uppergate Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States
| | - Ravi Mangal Patel
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 2015 Uppergate Dr. NE, Atlanta, GA 30322, United States.
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15
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DeVeaux A, Ryou J, Dantas G, Warner BB, Tarr PI. Microbiome-targeting therapies in the neonatal intensive care unit: safety and efficacy. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2221758. [PMID: 37358104 PMCID: PMC10294772 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2221758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbiome-targeting therapies have received great attention as approaches to prevent disease in infants born preterm, but their safety and efficacy remain uncertain. Here we summarize the existing literature, focusing on recent meta-analyses and systematic reviews that evaluate the performance of probiotics, prebiotics, and/or synbiotics in clinical trials and studies, emphasizing interventions for which the primary or secondary outcomes were prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis, late-onset sepsis, feeding intolerance, and/or reduction in hospitalization length or all-cause mortality. Current evidence suggests that probiotics and prebiotics are largely safe but conclusions regarding their effectiveness in the neonatal intensive care unit have been mixed. To address this ambiguity, we evaluated publications that collectively support benefits of probiotics with moderate to high certainty evidence in a recent comprehensive network meta-analysis, highlighting limitations in these trials that make it difficult to support with confidence the routine, universal administration of probiotics to preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna DeVeaux
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Jian Ryou
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Gautam Dantas
- The Edison Family Center for Genome Sciences and Systems Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Barbara B. Warner
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Phillip I. Tarr
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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16
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Bai WH, Gu DF, Dai Y, Chen YH, Yang ZM, Lu LJ. The relationship between probiotics and retinopathy of prematurity in preterm infants: A population-based retrospective study in China. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1055992. [PMID: 36896406 PMCID: PMC9989163 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1055992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a retinal vascular disease with a high incidence in premature infants and is a leading cause of childhood blindness worldwide. The purpose of our study was to analyze the association between the use of probiotics and retinopathy of prematurity. Methods This study retrospectively collected clinical data of premature infants with gestational age <32 weeks and birth weight <1500 g admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2021 in Suzhou Municipal Hospital, China. Demographic and clinical data of the inclusion population were collected. The outcome was the occurrence of ROP. The chi-square test was used to compare categorical variables, while the t-test and the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U rank-sum test were used for continuous variables. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between probiotics and ROP. Results A total of 443 preterm infants met the inclusion criteria, of which 264 didn't receive probiotics and 179 were supplemented with probiotics. There were 121 newborns with ROP in the included population. The results of univariate analysis showed that the preterm infants with and without probiotics were significantly different in the gestational age, the birth weight, the one-minute Apgar score, the oxygen inhalation time, the acceptance rate of invasive mechanical ventilation, the prevalence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, ROP and severe intraventricular hemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia (P < 0.05). Unadjusted univariate logistic regression model result showed that probiotics (OR 0.383, 95% CI 0.240∼0.611) were the factors affecting ROP in preterm infants (P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression result (OR 0.575, 95% CI 0.333∼0.994) was consistent with univariate analysis (P < 0.05). Conclusion This study showed that probiotic was associated with a reduced risk of ROP in preterm infants with gestational age of <32 weeks and birth weight of <1500 g, but more large-scale prospective studies are still needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Hua Bai
- Department of Neonatology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Dan Feng Gu
- Department of Neonatology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Yun Dai
- Department of Neonatology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Yu Hong Chen
- Department of Neonatology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Zu Ming Yang
- Department of Neonatology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
| | - Li Jun Lu
- Department of Neonatology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Suzhou, China
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17
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Dickison L, Gonzalez-Shalaby C. Reducing Risk Factors for Necrotizing Enterocolitis: What Is the Recent Evidence and Biologic Plausibility Supporting Probiotics? Adv Neonatal Care 2022; 22:513-522. [PMID: 35446273 PMCID: PMC10519298 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000000983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Development of necrotizing enterocolitis is multifactorial, with contributing factors that are unique to the preterm infant in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The use of probiotics may reduce these risk factors. PURPOSE To evaluate evidence of biologic plausibility for probiotic supplementation to mitigate key risk factors implicated in the development of disease and show recent evidence of safety and effectiveness. DATA SOURCES A literature survey of electronic databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and CINAHL, was conducted. STUDY SELECTION Selection terms included "necrotizing enterocolitis," "probiotics," and "prematurity." Reviews that were included were full text, in English, and published in the last 5 years. Ten systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials were extracted from 749 records. Excluded were studies that used adjuncts to probiotics, such as lactoferrin or prebiotics, and studies of probiotics given antenatally. DATA EXTRACTION Two independent reviewers extracted data to AMSTAR 2, a critical appraisal tool for systematic reviews of randomized or nonrandomized studies of healthcare interventions. RESULTS All the reviews found statistically significant reductions in necrotizing enterocolitis rates after supplementation with probiotics. None of the reviews reported adverse effects. IMPLICATION FOR PRACTICE AND RESEARCH Probiotic supplementation with specific strains reduces risk for necrotizing enterocolitis. To advance probiotic use in the NICU, additional high-quality trials are needed to focus on specific strains or combinations of strains and to evaluate dosing and duration of treatment.Video Abstract available athttps://journals.lww.com/advancesinneonatalcare/Pages/videogallery.aspx .
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Dickison
- Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Ashby Avenue, Berkeley, California
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18
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Mitha A, Kruth SS, Bjurman S, Rakow A, Johansson S. Neonatal Morbidities and Feeding Tolerance Outcomes in Very Preterm Infants, before and after Introduction of Probiotic Supplementation. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14173646. [PMID: 36079903 PMCID: PMC9460632 DOI: 10.3390/nu14173646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
While probiotics are reported to reduce the risks of neonatal morbidities, less is known about probiotics and feeding tolerance. With this retrospective cohort study, we investigate whether introduction of probiotic supplementation as the standard of care was associated with fewer neonatal morbidities and improved feeding tolerance in very preterm infants. Using the Swedish Neonatal Quality Register, 345 live-born very preterm infants (28–31 weeks’ gestation), from January 2019–August 2021, in NICUs in Stockholm, Sweden, either received probiotic supplementation (Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium lactis, Streptococcusthermophilus) (139) or no supplementation (206); they were compared regarding a primary composite outcome of death, sepsis, and/or necrotising enterocolitis and secondary outcomes: time to full enteral feeding and antibiotics use. Probiotics seemed associated with a reduced risk of the composite outcome (4.3% versus 9.2%, p = 0.08). In the subgroup of 320 infants without the primary outcome, probiotics were associated with shorter time to full enteral feeding (6.6 days versus 7.2 days) and less use of antibiotics (5.2 days versus 6.1 days). Our findings suggest that probiotics improve feeding tolerance and further support that very preterm infants may benefit from probiotic supplementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayoub Mitha
- Department of Medicine Solna, Clinical Epidemiology Division, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- CHU Lille, Paediatric and Neonatal Intensive Care Transport Unit, Department of Emergency Medicine, SAMU 59, Lille University Hospital, F-59000 Lille, France
| | - Sofia Söderquist Kruth
- Women’s Health and Allied Health Professional Theme, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sara Bjurman
- Sachs Children and Youth Hospital, Södersjukhuset, 11883 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander Rakow
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neonatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stefan Johansson
- Department of Medicine Solna, Clinical Epidemiology Division, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Sachs Children and Youth Hospital, Södersjukhuset, 11883 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-703495947
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Chen WY, Lo YC, Huang PH, Chen YX, Tsao PC, Lee YS, Jeng MJ, Hung MC. Increased antibiotic exposure in early life is associated with adverse outcomes in very low birth weight infants. J Chin Med Assoc 2022; 85:939-943. [PMID: 35648148 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of antibiotics in the early lives of premature infants may alter the microbiota and influence their clinical outcomes. However, whether the administration of probiotics can influence these outcomes remains unknown. In our study, probiotics were routinely administered unless contraindicated. We explored whether increased antibiotic exposure with the routine use of probiotics was associated with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). METHODS A retrospective cohort study was conducted, enrolling very low birth weight (VLBW) infants admitted between January 1, 2016, and March 31, 2020, to a medical center. Days of antibiotic exposure in the first 14 days of life were recorded. The primary outcomes were NEC and BPD. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using multivariable regression analyses to assess risk factors. RESULTS Of 185 VLBW infants admitted to the medical center, 132 met the inclusion criteria. Each additional day of antibiotic treatment was associated with increased odds of NEC (aOR, 1.278; 95% CI, 1.025-1.593) and BPD (aOR, 1.630; 95% CI, 1.233-2.156). The association remained in the NEC analysis after adjustment for probiotic use. CONCLUSION Increased antibiotic exposure in the early lives of VLBW infants was associated with increased risks of NEC and BPD. The probiotics did not influence the outcomes. Our findings suggest that clinicians should be alerted to the adverse outcomes of antibiotic use in infants with VLBWs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yin Chen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Cheng Lo
- Division of Neonatology and Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Po-Han Huang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Xuan Chen
- Division of Neonatology and Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Pei-Chen Tsao
- Division of Neonatology and Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Physiology, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yu-Sheng Lee
- Division of Neonatology and Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Public Health, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Mei-Jy Jeng
- Division of Neonatology and Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Miao-Chiu Hung
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Sowden M, van Weissenbruch MM, Bulabula ANH, van Wyk L, Twisk J, van Niekerk E. Effect of a Multi-Strain Probiotic on the Incidence and Severity of Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Feeding Intolerances in Preterm Neonates. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14163305. [PMID: 36014810 PMCID: PMC9415863 DOI: 10.3390/nu14163305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a multifactorial disease, causing inflammation of the bowel. The exact root of NEC is still unknown, but a low weight and gestational age at birth are known causes. Furthermore, antibiotic use and abnormal bacterial colonization of the premature gut are possible causes. Premature neonates often experience feeding intolerances that disrupts the nutritional intake, leading to poor growth and neurodevelopmental impairment. Methods: We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial to investigate the effect of a multi-strain probiotic formulation (LabinicTM) on the incidence and severity of NEC and feeding intolerances in preterm neonates. Results: There were five neonates in the placebo group who developed NEC (Stage 1A−3B), compared to no neonates in the probiotic group. Further, the use of probiotics showed a statistically significant reduction in the development of feeding intolerances, p < 0.001. Conclusion: A multi-strain probiotic is a safe and cost-effective way of preventing NEC and feeding intolerances in premature neonates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwyn Sowden
- Department of Global Health, Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-21-938-9474
| | - Mirjam Maria van Weissenbruch
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Pediatrics-Neonatology, VU University Medical Center, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lizelle van Wyk
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
| | - Jos Twisk
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Evette van Niekerk
- Department of Global Health, Division of Human Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town 7505, South Africa
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Abstract
Extremely preterm infants are particularly vulnerable to systemic infections secondary to their immature immune defenses, prolonged hospitalizations, delays in enteral feeding, early antibiotic exposure, and need for life-sustaining invasive interventions. There have been several evidence-based practices for infection prevention in this population, such as human milk feedings, utilization of "bundle checklists" and decolonization of pathogenic organisms. Other practices, such as the use of probiotics, human milk-derived fortifiers, and antifungal prophylaxis are more controversial and require further investigation regarding the risks and benefits of such interventions. This chapter examines the susceptibility of the preterm newborn infant to invasive infections and describes several strategies for infection prevention, along with the associated limitations of such practices. It also addresses the various gaps in our understanding of preventing infections in this population, and the need for additional large multi-center randomized controlled trials. Additionally, the role of the SARs-CoV-2 global pandemic and associated strategies for infection prevention in the NICU are discussed.
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22
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Liu H, Wang B, Lu T, Pei Y. Safety and efficacy of probiotics in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in premature and/or low-birthweight infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Transl Pediatr 2022; 11:249-259. [PMID: 35282017 PMCID: PMC8905096 DOI: 10.21037/tp-22-27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious pediatric gastrointestinal disease and a cause of death in neonates, especially in premature infants. The addition of probiotics to the diet can reduce the incidence and severity of neonatal NEC. This meta-analysis explored the preventive effect of probiotics on NEC. METHODS Endnote X9 software was used to search for relevant studies in the Ovid, Embase, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. The search terms were "probiotics" and "necrotizing enterocolitis". After retrieval, screening, and quality evaluation of the studies, Stata 16.0 software was used to analyze the data. RESULTS A total of 10 studies, which collectively included 3,227 patients, were selected for analysis. Of them, 5 used a multiple-strain probiotics, and 5 used single-strain probiotic. Meta-analysis showed that treatment with probiotics could reduce the incidence of severe NEC [risk ratio (RR) =0.66; 95% confidence interval (CI): (0.50, 0.87); Z=-2.978; P=0.003], reduce mortality in underweight premature children [RR =0.81; 95% CI: (0.70, 0.94); Z=-2.864; P=0.004], and reduce the incidence of feeding intolerance [RR =0.78; 95% CI: (0.67, 0.90); Z=-3.280; P=0.001]. DISCUSSION The addition of probiotics to the diet of low-birthweight and premature infants can reduce the incidence of severe NEC and reduce related mortality rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Liu
- Department of Neonatology, Haikou Hospital of the Maternal and Child Health, Haikou, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Haikou Hospital of the Maternal and Child Health, Haikou, China
| | - Tiantian Lu
- Department of Neonatology, Haikou Hospital of the Maternal and Child Health, Haikou, China
| | - Yuying Pei
- Department of Pediatrics, Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Haikou, China
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23
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Aguilar-Lopez M, Dinsmoor AM, Ho TTB, Donovan SM. A systematic review of the factors influencing microbial colonization of the preterm infant gut. Gut Microbes 2022; 13:1-33. [PMID: 33818293 PMCID: PMC8023245 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2021.1884514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Prematurity coupled with the necessary clinical management of preterm (PT) infants introduces multiple factors that can interfere with microbial colonization. This study aimed to review the perinatal, physiological, pharmacological, dietary, and environmental factors associated with gut microbiota of PT infants. A total of 587 articles were retrieved from a search of multiple databases. Sixty studies were included in the review after removing duplicates and articles that did not meet the inclusion criteria. Review of this literature revealed that evidence converged on the effect of postnatal age, mode of delivery, use of antibiotics, and consumption of human milk in the composition of gut microbiota of PT infants. Less evidence was found for associations with race, sex, use of different fortifiers, macronutrients, and other medications. Future studies with rich metadata are needed to further explore the impact of the PT exposome on the development of the microbiota in this high-risk population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Aguilar-Lopez
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA
| | - Andrew M. Dinsmoor
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA
| | - Thao T. B. Ho
- Department of Pediatrics, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, USA
| | - Sharon M. Donovan
- Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA,Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, USA,CONTACT Sharon M. Donovan Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 339 Bevier Hall 905 S. Goodwin Avenue, Urbana, IL61801, USA
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24
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McDonnell L, Gilkes A, Ashworth M, Rowland V, Harries TH, Armstrong D, White P. Association between antibiotics and gut microbiome dysbiosis in children: systematic review and meta-analysis. Gut Microbes 2022; 13:1-18. [PMID: 33651651 PMCID: PMC7928022 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2020.1870402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibiotics in childhood have been linked with diseases including asthma, juvenile arthritis, type 1 diabetes, Crohn's disease and mental illness. The underlying mechanisms are thought related to dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. We conducted a systematic review of the association between antibiotics and disruption of the pediatric gut microbiome. Searches used MEDLINE, EMBASE and Web of Science. Eligible studies: association between antibiotics and gut microbiome dysbiosis; children 0-18 years; molecular techniques of assessment; outcomes of microbiome richness, diversity or composition. Quality assessed by Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Meta-analysis where possible. A total of 4,668 publications identified: 12 in final analysis (5 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 5 cohort studies, 2 cross-sectional studies). Microbiome richness was measured in 3 studies, species diversity in 6, and species composition in 10. Quality of evidence was good or fair. 5 studies found a significant reduction in diversity and 3 a significant reduction in richness. Macrolide exposure was associated with reduced richness for twice as long as penicillin. Significant reductions were seen in Bifidobacteria (5 studies) and Lactobacillus (2 studies), and significant increases in Proteobacteria such as E. coli (4 studies). A meta-analysis of RCTs of the effect of macrolide (azithromycin) exposure on the gut microbiome found a significant reduction in alpha-diversity (Shannon index: mean difference -0.86 (95% CI -1.59, -0.13). Antibiotic exposure was associated with reduced microbiome diversity and richness, and with changes in bacterial abundance. The potential for dysbiosis in the microbiome should be taken into account when prescribing antibiotics for children.Systematic review registration number: CRD42018094188.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy McDonnell
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Alexander Gilkes
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Mark Ashworth
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Victoria Rowland
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Timothy Hugh Harries
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - David Armstrong
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Patrick White
- School of Population Health and Environmental Sciences, King’s College London, London, UK,CONTACT Patrick White School of Population Health and Environmental Science, King’s College London, 3rd Floor, Addison House, Great Maze Pond, LondonSE1 1UL, UK
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25
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Westaway JAF, Huerlimann R, Kandasamy Y, Miller CM, Norton R, Watson D, Infante-Vilamil S, Rudd D. To Probiotic or Not to Probiotic: A Metagenomic Comparison of the Discharge Gut Microbiome of Infants Supplemented With Probiotics in NICU and Those Who Are Not. Front Pediatr 2022; 10:838559. [PMID: 35345612 PMCID: PMC8957066 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2022.838559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth is associated with the development of both acute and chronic disease, and the disruption of normal gut microbiome development. Recent studies have sought to both characterize and understand the links between disease and the microbiome. Probiotic treatment may correct for these microbial imbalances and, in turn, mitigate disease. However, the criteria for probiotic supplementation in NICU's in North Queensland, Australia limits its usage to the most premature (<32 weeks gestation) and small for gestational age infants (<1,500 g). Here we use a combination of amplicon and shotgun metagenomic sequencing to compare the gut microbiome of infants who fulfill the criteria for probiotic-treatment and those who do not. The aims of this study were to determine if probiotic-supplemented preterm infants have significantly different taxonomic and functional profiles when compared to non-supplemented preterm infants at discharge. METHODS Preterm infants were recruited in North Queensland, Australia, with fecal samples collected just prior to discharge (36 ± 0.5 weeks gestation), to capture potential changes that could be probiotic induced. All samples underwent 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, with a subset also used for shotgun metagenomics. Mixed effects models were used to assess the effect of probiotics on alpha diversity, beta diversity and taxonomic abundance, whilst accounting for other known covariates. RESULTS Mixed effects modeling demonstrated that probiotic treatment had a significant effect on overall community composition (beta diversity), characterized by greater alpha diversity and differing abundances of several taxa, including Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, in supplemented infants. CONCLUSION Late preterm-infants who go without probiotic-supplementation may be missing out on stabilizing-effects provided through increased alpha diversity and the presence of commensal microbes, via the use of probiotic-treatment. These findings suggest that late-preterm infants may benefit from probiotic supplementation. More research is needed to both understand the consequences of the differences observed and the long-term effects of this probiotic-treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A F Westaway
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Roger Huerlimann
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.,Marine Climate Change Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Onna, Japan.,Center for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Yoga Kandasamy
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.,Neonatology, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Catherine M Miller
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Cairns, QLD, Australia
| | - Robert Norton
- Microbiology, Pathology Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - David Watson
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Sandra Infante-Vilamil
- Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia.,Center for Sustainable Tropical Fisheries and Aquaculture, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Donna Rudd
- College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
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26
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Westaway JAF, Huerlimann R, Kandasamy Y, Miller CM, Norton R, Staunton KM, Watson D, Rudd D. The bacterial gut microbiome of probiotic-treated very-preterm infants: changes from admission to discharge. Pediatr Res 2022; 92:142-150. [PMID: 34621029 PMCID: PMC9411061 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-021-01738-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preterm birth is associated with the development of acute and chronic disease, potentially, through the disruption of normal gut microbiome development. Probiotics may correct for microbial imbalances and mitigate disease risk. Here, we used amplicon sequencing to characterise the gut microbiome of probiotic-treated premature infants. We aimed to identify and understand variation in bacterial gut flora from admission to discharge and in association with clinical variables. METHODS Infants born <32 weeks gestation and <1500 g, and who received probiotic treatment, were recruited in North Queensland Australia. Meconium and faecal samples were collected at admission and discharge. All samples underwent 16S rRNA short amplicon sequencing, and subsequently, a combination of univariate and multivariate analyses. RESULTS 71 admission and 63 discharge samples were collected. Univariate analyses showed significant changes in the gut flora from admission to discharge. Mixed-effects modelling showed significantly lower alpha diversity in infants diagnosed with either sepsis or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and those fed formula. In addition, chorioamnionitis, preeclampsia, sepsis, necrotising enterocolitis and ROP were also all associated with the differential abundance of several taxa. CONCLUSIONS The lower microbial diversity seen in infants with diagnosed disorders or formula-fed, as well as differing abundances of several taxa across multiple variables, highlights the role of the microbiome in the development of health and disease. This study supports the need for promoting healthy microbiome development in preterm neonates. IMPACT Low diversity and differing taxonomic abundances in preterm gut microbiota demonstrated in formula-fed infants and those identified with postnatal conditions, as well as differences in taxonomy associated with preeclampsia and chorioamnionitis, reinforcing the association of the microbiome composition changes due to maternal and infant disease. The largest study exploring an association between the preterm infant microbiome and ROP. A novel association between the preterm infant gut microbiome and preeclampsia in a unique cohort of very-premature probiotic-supplemented infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob A. F. Westaway
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, 1/14-88 McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD 4878 Australia ,grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Douglas, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Roger Huerlimann
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797Centre for Tropical Bioinformatics and Molecular Biology, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Douglas, QLD 4811 Australia ,grid.250464.10000 0000 9805 2626Marine Climate Change Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son Okinawa, 904-0495 Japan ,grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797College of Science and Engineering, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Douglas, QLD 4811 Australia
| | - Yoga Kandasamy
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Douglas, QLD 4811 Australia ,grid.417216.70000 0000 9237 0383Department of neonatology, Townsville University Hospital, 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, QLD 4814 Australia
| | - Catherine M. Miller
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, 1/14-88 McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD 4878 Australia ,grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, 1/14-88 McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD 4878 Australia
| | - Robert Norton
- Department of Microbiology, Pathology Queensland, 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, QLD 4814 Australia
| | - Kyran M. Staunton
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797Australian Institute for Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, 1/14-88 McGregor Road, Smithfield, QLD 4878 Australia
| | - David Watson
- grid.417216.70000 0000 9237 0383Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Townsville University Hospital, 100 Angus Smith Drive, Douglas, 4814 Australia
| | - Donna Rudd
- grid.1011.10000 0004 0474 1797College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Science, James Cook University, 1 James Cook Drive, Douglas, QLD 4811 Australia
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27
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Deshmukh M, Patole S. Current Status of Probiotics for Preterm Infants. Indian J Pediatr 2021; 88:703-708. [PMID: 33877563 DOI: 10.1007/s12098-021-03736-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Probiotics have been shown to reduce the risk of all-cause mortality, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC ≥ stage II), late onset sepsis (LOS), and feeding intolerance in preterm infants. Considering the substantial health burden imposed by these conditions, the importance of probiotics in preterm infants cannot be overemphasized. Based on the data from experimental studies, and systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs, the uptake of this intervention in neonatal medicine has been increasing over the last few years. However, many are still hesitating to adopt this intervention for various reasons, including concerns about probiotic sepsis, product quality, and lack of clarity on optimal strain/s or their combinations. Some question the validity of meta-analyses of studies involving different probiotic strains or their combinations because probiotics effects are considered to be strain-specific. Some of the early concerns about probiotics in preterm infants have been shown to be unjustified. However, the resistance to probiotics continues in many neonatal units around the world. The future of probiotics for preterm infants depends on continued efforts to develop high-quality probiotic products using stringent quality control, improving access to such products, and robust head-to-head comparisons to know the optimal strains or their combinations. Monitoring for adverse effects such as probiotic sepsis and development of antibiotic resistance is crucial. The authors review the current status of probiotics in preterm infants and discuss the scope for further research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mangesh Deshmukh
- Department of Neonatology, Fiona Stanley Hospital, Perth, Western Australia.,Department of Neonatology, St. John of God Subiaco Hospital, Perth, Western Australia
| | - Sanjay Patole
- Neonatal Directorate, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, 374 Bagot Road, Subiaco, Western Australia, 6008. .,School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia.
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28
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Abstract
Probiotic products in the United States are available for use in the general category of dietary supplements, bypassing the rigor of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval process in safety, efficacy, and manufacturing standards. As a result, currently available probiotics lack FDA-approved drug labeling and cannot be marketed to treat or prevent disease in preterm infants, including necrotizing enterocolitis and late-onset sepsis. Despite lack of availability of a pharmaceutical-grade product, the number of preterm infants receiving probiotics in the United States and Canada is steadily increasing. According to recent reports from large collaborative databases in the United States, approximately 10% of extremely low gestational age neonates receive a probiotic preparation during their stay in the NICU, with wide variation in practice among units. In sum, more than 10 000 preterm infants have been enrolled in randomized clinical trials of probiotic supplementation worldwide. Methodologic differences among study protocols included different strains and combinations of therapy, masking of trials, and a priori definitions of the primary outcome measure. Large meta-analyses of these trials have demonstrated the efficacy of multiple-strain probiotics in reducing necrotizing enterocolitis and all-cause mortality, whereas the efficacy of single-strain probiotic preparations is less certain. In the absence of an appropriate medical-grade product in the United States, dietary supplement-grade probiotics, some of which have been the subject of recent recalls for contamination, are being prescribed. Given the lack of FDA-regulated pharmaceutical-grade products in the United States, conflicting data on safety and efficacy, and potential for harm in a highly vulnerable population, current evidence does not support the routine, universal administration of probiotics to preterm infants, particularly those with a birth weight of <1000 g.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brenda Poindexter
- Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
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29
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Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is an inflammatory disease affecting premature infants. Intestinal microbial composition may play a key role in determining which infants are predisposed to NEC and when infants are at highest risk of developing NEC. It is unclear how to optimize antibiotic therapy in preterm infants to prevent NEC and how to optimize antibiotic regimens to treat neonates with NEC. This article discusses risk factors for NEC, how dysbiosis in preterm infants plays a role in the pathogenesis of NEC, and how probiotic and antibiotic therapy may be used to prevent and/or treat NEC and its sequelae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Duchon
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Jack and Lucy Department of Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, 1000 10th Avenue, New York, NY 10019, USA
| | - Maria E Barbian
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, 2015 Uppergate Drive Northeast, 3rd Floor, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Patricia W Denning
- Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Emory University Hospital Midtown, 550 Peachtree Street, 3rd Floor MOT, Atlanta, GA 30308, USA.
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30
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Seghesio E, De Geyter C, Vandenplas Y. Probiotics in the Prevention and Treatment of Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Pediatr Gastroenterol Hepatol Nutr 2021; 24:245-255. [PMID: 34046327 PMCID: PMC8128781 DOI: 10.5223/pghn.2021.24.3.245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a disease with high morbidity and mortality that occurs mainly in premature born infants. The pathophysiologic mechanisms indicate that gastrointestinal dysbiosis is a major risk factor. We searched for relevant articles published in PubMed and Google Scholar in the English language up to October 2020. Articles were extracted using subject headings and keywords of interest to the topic. Interesting references in included articles were also considered. Network meta-analysis suggests the preventive efficacy of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus spp., but even more for mixtures of Bifidobacterium, Streptococcus, and Bifidobacterium, and Streptococcus spp. However, studies comparing face-to-face different strains are lacking. Moreover, differences in inclusion criteria, dosage strains, and primary outcomes in most trials are major obstacles to providing evidence-based conclusions. Although adverse effects have not been reported in clinical trials, case series of adverse outcomes, mainly septicemia, have been published. Consequently, systematic administration of probiotic bacteria to prevent NEC is still debated in literature. The risk-benefit ratio depends on the incidence of NEC in a neonatal intensive care unit, and evidence has shown that preventive measures excluding probiotic administration can result in a decrease in NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Seghesio
- KidZ Health Castle, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte De Geyter
- KidZ Health Castle, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Yvan Vandenplas
- KidZ Health Castle, UZ Brussel, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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31
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Bifidobacterium breve BBG-001 and intestinal barrier function in preterm babies: Exploratory Studies from the PiPS Trial. Pediatr Res 2021; 89:1818-1824. [PMID: 32947603 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-01135-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uncertainty remains about the role of probiotics to prevent necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) some of which arises from the variety of probiotic interventions used in different trials, many with no prior evidence of potential efficacy. Mechanistic studies of intestinal barrier function embedded in a large probiotic trial could provide evidence about which properties of probiotics might be important for NEC prevention thus facilitating identification of strains with therapeutic potential. METHODS Intestinal permeability, stool microbiota, SCFAs and mucosal inflammation were assessed from the second postnatal week in babies enrolled to a randomised controlled trial of B. breve BBG-001 (the PiPS trial). Results were compared by allocation and by stool colonisation with the probiotic. RESULTS Ninety-four preterm babies were recruited across six nested studies. B. breve BBG-001 content was higher by allocation and colonisation; Enterobacteriaceae and acetic acid levels were higher by colonisation. No measure of intestinal barrier function showed differences. The PiPS trial found no evidence of efficacy to reduce NEC. CONCLUSIONS That the negative results of the PiPS trial were associated with failure of this probiotic to modify intestinal barrier function supports the possibility that the tests described here have the potential to identify strains to progress to large clinical trials. IMPACT Uncertainty about the therapeutic role of probiotics to prevent necrotising enterocolitis is in part due to the wide range of bacterial strains with no previous evidence of efficacy used in clinical trials. We hypothesised that mechanistic studies embedded in a probiotic trial would provide evidence about which properties of probiotics might be important for NEC prevention. The finding that the probiotic strain tested, Bifidobacterium breve BBG-001, showed neither effects on intestinal barrier function nor clinical efficacy supports the possibility that these tests have the potential to identify strains to progress to large clinical trials.
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32
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Deshmukh M, Patole S. Prophylactic Probiotic Supplementation for Preterm Neonates-A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Nonrandomized Studies. Adv Nutr 2021; 12:1411-1423. [PMID: 33460432 PMCID: PMC8321836 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmaa164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Systematic review and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) show that probiotics reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC ≥ Stage II), late onset sepsis (LOS), all-cause mortality, and feeding intolerance in preterm neonates. Data from observational studies is important to confirm probiotic effects in clinical practice. We aimed to compare outcomes before and after implementing routine probiotic supplementation (RPS) in preterm neonates (<37 weeks of gestation) by performing a systematic review of non-RCTs using Cochrane methodology. Databases including PubMed, The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, Cochrane Central library, and Google Scholar were searched in May 2020. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. Categorical measure of effect size was expressed as OR and 95% CI. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed by the chi-squared test, I2 statistic. The level of evidence (LOE) was summarized using GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) guidelines. Primary outcomes were NEC ≥ Stage II, LOS, and all-cause mortality. Secondary outcomes included probiotic sepsis. Thirty good-quality non-RCTs (n = 77,018) from 18 countries were included. The meta-analysis showed RPS was associated with significantly reduced: 1) NEC ≥ Stage II (30 studies, n = 77,018; OR: 0.60; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.73; P <0.00001, I2: 65%; LOE: Moderate), 2) LOS: (21 studies, n = 65,858; OR: 0.85; 95% CI: 0.74, 0.97; P = 0.02, I2: 74%; LOE: Low), and 3) all-cause mortality (27 non-RCTs, n = 70,977; OR: 0.77; 95% CI: 0.68, 0.88; P = 0.0001, I2: 49%; LOE: Low). Subgroups: 1) extremely low birth weight (ELBW: birth weight <1000 g) neonates: RPS was associated with significantly reduced NEC ≥ Stage II (4.5% compared with 7.9%). However, there was no difference in LOS and mortality. 2) Multistrain RPS was more effective than single strain. One study reported 3 nonfatal cases of probiotic sepsis. In summary, moderate- to low-quality evidence indicates that RPS was associated with significantly reduced NEC ≥ Stage II, LOS, and all-cause mortality in neonates <37 weeks of gestation and NEC ≥ Stage II in ELBW neonates.
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Beghetti I, Panizza D, Lenzi J, Gori D, Martini S, Corvaglia L, Aceti A. Probiotics for Preventing Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants: A Network Meta-Analysis. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13010192. [PMID: 33435456 PMCID: PMC7827781 DOI: 10.3390/nu13010192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent evidence supports a role of probiotics in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants. METHODS A systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the role of probiotics in preventing NEC in preterm infants, focusing on the differential effect of type of feeding, was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A random-effects model was used; a subgroup analysis on exclusively human milk (HM)-fed infants vs. infants receiving formula (alone or with HM) was performed. RESULTS Fifty-one trials were included (10,664 infants, 29 probiotic interventions); 31 studies (19 different probiotic regimens) were suitable for subgroup analysis according to feeding. In the overall analysis, Lactobacillus acidophilus LB revealed the most promising effect for reducing NEC risk (odds ratio (OR), 0.03; 95% credible intervals (CrIs), 0.00-0.21). The subgroup analysis showed that Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12/B94 was associated with a reduced risk of NEC stage ≥2 in both feeding type populations, with a discrepancy in the relative effect size in favour of exclusively HM-fed infants (OR 0.04; 95% CrIs <0.01-0.49 vs. OR 0.32; 95% CrIs 0.10-0.36). CONCLUSIONS B. lactis Bb-12/B94 could reduce NEC risk with a different size effect according to feeding type. Of note, most probiotic strains are evaluated in few trials and relatively small populations, and outcome data according to feeding type are not available for all RCTs. Further trials are needed to confirm the present findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isadora Beghetti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, AOU Bologna, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (I.B.); (S.M.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
| | - Davide Panizza
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, AOU Bologna, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (I.B.); (S.M.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-342754
| | - Jacopo Lenzi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (J.L.); (D.G.)
| | - Davide Gori
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences (DIBINEM), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy; (J.L.); (D.G.)
| | - Silvia Martini
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, AOU Bologna, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (I.B.); (S.M.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
| | - Luigi Corvaglia
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, AOU Bologna, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (I.B.); (S.M.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
| | - Arianna Aceti
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, AOU Bologna, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (I.B.); (S.M.); (L.C.); (A.A.)
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Perrone S, Cremonini I, Marinelli F, Monaco S, Nicoletti L, Giordano M, Esposito S. New Strategies for Necrotizing Enterocolitis Diagnosis and Prevention in Newborns. Curr Pediatr Rev 2021; 17:191-200. [PMID: 33902422 DOI: 10.2174/1573396317666210426102610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 12/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis is one of the most frequent and severe gastrointestinal diseases that affect preterm newborns in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. It was firstly described in 1960s, but this clinical entity was not widely recognized until the advent of modern neonatal intensive care. The disease is characterized by submucosal edema, infiltration of intestinal wall by immune cells, specifically neutrophils and, in severe forms, wall necrosis that leads to intestinal perforation. Its incidence is inversely associated to birth weight and gestational age. Necrotizing enterocolitis has been responsible for high rates of morbidity and mortality (15-30%), despite improvements made in neonatal care in the last decades. The challenge is to optimize strategies for early diagnosis, define the best medical and surgical treatments and standardize preventive measures. Several biomarkers have been proposed for the early prediction of necrotizing enterocolitis onset in preterm newborns and can be useful not only for diagnostic purposes but also for prediction of disease progression and severity. The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the most recent evidence regarding the diagnosis and prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis. This manuscript contributes to clinical decision-making in preterm neonates at high risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serafina Perrone
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | | | - Sara Monaco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Laura Nicoletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Maurizio Giordano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Federico II University, Naples, Italy
| | - Susanna Esposito
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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Chandran S, Anand AJ, Rajadurai VS, Seyed ES, Khoo PC, Chua MC. Evidence-Based Practices Reduce Necrotizing Enterocolitis and Improve Nutrition Outcomes in Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants. JPEN J Parenter Enteral Nutr 2020; 45:1408-1416. [PMID: 33296087 DOI: 10.1002/jpen.2058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal emergency in preterm infants. Survivors may suffer both short- and long-term morbidities. Current evidence suggests that the incidence of NEC can be reduced by standardizing the care delivery in addressing key risk factors including an altered gut microbiome, use of formula milk, hyperosmolar feeds, and unrestricted use of high-risk medications METHODS: Since 2014, the department has a workgroup who analyzed all cases of NEC within a month of diagnosis to identify preventable risk factors. Existing evidence-based quality improvement strategies were revised and new ones were implemented sequentially over the next 4 years. These strategies include (1) a standardized feeding protocol, (2) early initiation of enteral feeding using human milk, (3) optimization of the osmolality of preterm milk feeds using standardized dilution guidelines for additives, and (4) promotion of healthy microbiome by use of probiotics, early oral care with colostrum and by restricting high-risk medications and prolonged use of empirical antibiotics RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of the patients including sex, gestational age, and birth weight were similar during the study period. After implementing the evidence-based practices successively over 4 years, the incidence of NEC in very- low birth-weight (VLBW) infants dropped from 7% in 2014 to 0% (P < .001) in 2018. The duration of parenteral nutrition, use of central line, and days to full feeds were also reduced significantly (P < .05) CONCLUSION: Adopting evidence-based best practices resulted in a significant decrease in the incidence of NEC and improved the nutrition outcomes in VLBW infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Chandran
- Department of Neonatology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technical University, Singapore
| | - Amudha Jayanthi Anand
- Department of Neonatology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technical University, Singapore
| | - Victor Samuel Rajadurai
- Department of Neonatology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technical University, Singapore
| | - Ehsan Saffari Seyed
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technical University, Singapore.,Center for Quantitative Medicine, Office of Clinical Science, Duke University-National University of Singapore Medical School, Singapore
| | - Poh Choo Khoo
- Department of Neonatology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technical University, Singapore
| | - Mei Chien Chua
- Department of Neonatology, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.,Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore.,Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technical University, Singapore
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36
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Gut Microbiota Modulation: Implications for Infection Control and Antimicrobial Stewardship. Adv Ther 2020; 37:4054-4067. [PMID: 32767183 PMCID: PMC7412295 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01458-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The human microbiome comprises a complex ecosystem of microbial communities that exist within the human body, the largest and most diverse of which are found within the human intestine. It has been increasingly implicated in human health and diseases, demonstrably playing a critical role in influencing host immune response, protection against pathogen overgrowth, biosynthesis, and metabolism. As our understanding of the links between the gut microbiota with host immunity and infectious diseases deepens, there is a greater need to incorporate methods of modulating it as a means of therapy or infection prevention in daily clinical practice. Traditional antimicrobial stewardship principles have been evaluated to assess their impact on the gut microbiota diversity and the consequent repercussions, taking into consideration antibiotic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Novel strategies of selective digestive decontamination and fecal microbiota transplantation to regulate the gut microbiota have also been tested in different conditions with variable results. This review seeks to provide an overview of the available literature on the modulation of the gut microbiota and its implications for infection control and antimicrobial stewardship. With increased understanding, gut microbiota profiling through metataxonomic analysis may provide further insight into modulating microbial communities in the context of infection prevention and control.
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Yousuf EI, Carvalho M, Dizzell SE, Kim S, Gunn E, Twiss J, Giglia L, Stuart C, Hutton EK, Morrison KM, Stearns JC. Persistence of Suspected Probiotic Organisms in Preterm Infant Gut Microbiota Weeks After Probiotic Supplementation in the NICU. Front Microbiol 2020; 11:574137. [PMID: 33117319 PMCID: PMC7552907 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.574137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Probiotics are becoming a prevalent supplement to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis in infants born preterm. However, little is known about the ability of these live bacterial supplements to colonize the gut or how they affect endogenous bacterial strains and the overall gut community. We capitalized on a natural experiment resulting from a policy change that introduced the use of probiotics to preterm infants in a single Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. We used amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) derived from the v3 region of the 16S rRNA gene to compare the prevalence and abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus in the gut of preterm infants who were and were not exposed to a probiotic supplement in-hospital. Infants were followed to 5 months corrected age. In the probiotic-exposed infants, ASVs belonging to species of Bifidobacterium appeared at high relative abundance during probiotic supplementation and persisted for up to 5 months. In regression models that controlled for the confounding effects of age and antibiotic exposure, probiotic-exposed infants had a higher abundance of the suspected probiotic bifidobacteria than unexposed infants. Conversely, the relative abundance of Lactobacillus was similar between preterm groups over time. Lactobacillus abundance was inversely related to antibiotic exposure. Furthermore, the overall gut microbial community of the probiotic-exposed preterm infants at term corrected age clustered more closely to samples collected from 10-day old full-term infants than to samples from unexposed preterm infants at term age. In conclusion, routine in-hospital administration of probiotics to preterm infants resulted in the potential for colonization of the gut with probiotic organisms post-discharge and effects on the gut microbiome as a whole. Further research is needed to fully discriminate probiotic bacterial strains from endogenous strains and to explore their functional role in the gut microbiome and in infant health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efrah I Yousuf
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Marilia Carvalho
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Sara E Dizzell
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Stephanie Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth Gunn
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer Twiss
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Lucy Giglia
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Connie Stuart
- Neonatal Follow Up Clinic, McMaster Children's Hospital, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Eileen K Hutton
- Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Katherine M Morrison
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jennifer C Stearns
- Centre for Metabolism, Obesity and Diabetes Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Farncombe Family Digestive Health Research Institute, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Younge NE. Probiotics in routine clinical care of moderately preterm infants. Am J Clin Nutr 2020; 112:1153-1154. [PMID: 32936900 PMCID: PMC7657322 DOI: 10.1093/ajcn/nqaa257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Abstract
Intestinal dysbiosis precedes and is a likely causative factor in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and many cases of late-onset sepsis. Randomized controlled trials and observational cohort studies demonstrate decreased risk of NEC, sepsis, and death with the administration of probiotic microbes and decreased risk of NEC and sepsis with feeding of human milk. Animal studies suggest promising mechanisms by which probiotic microbes and human milk oligosaccharides alter the composition of the intestinal microbiota and may prevent disease in premature infants. Inclusion of parents in discussions of the risks and benefits of human milk and probiotics for premature infants is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Underwood
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA
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40
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41
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Pillai A, Tan J, Paquette V, Panczuk J. Does probiotic bacteremia in premature infants impact clinically relevant outcomes? A case report and updated review of literature. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2020; 39:255-259. [PMID: 32859326 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2020.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Prophylactic use of probiotics decreases the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. However, there are ongoing concerns related to the routine use of probiotics including inconsistent literature regarding optimal dose and strain, lack of regulatory standards in production and reports regarding potential side effects. There is limited data regarding the incidence of probiotic bacteremia and its impact on relevant clinical outcomes in the premature population. We report the first case of Bifidobacterium longum bacteremia in our center since the routine introduction of probiotics. The neonate had NEC with perforation on day of life 7, which likely led to translocation of the probiotic strain to the blood stream. The neonate did not have any hemodynamic instability and the repeat blood culture was negative after starting antibiotic therapy. We also conducted a literature review and found 13 other cases of probiotic bacteremia in premature or very low birth weight neonates. Although the incidence of probiotic bacteremia is low, it can impact several clinical outcomes including prolonged exposure to antibiotics, removal of central lines and additional laboratory testing such as lumbar puncture. There has been no mortality attributable to probiotic bacteremia and there is no data regarding long term neurodevelopmental outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anish Pillai
- Division of Neonatology, Surya Mother and Child Super Specialty Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Jason Tan
- Department of Pharmacy, British Columbia Women's and Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Vanessa Paquette
- Department of Pharmacy, British Columbia Women's and Children's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada; Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
| | - Julia Panczuk
- Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, British Columbia Women's Hospital and Health Centre, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada.
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Underwood MA, Umberger E, Patel RM. Safety and efficacy of probiotic administration to preterm infants: ten common questions. Pediatr Res 2020; 88:48-55. [PMID: 32855513 PMCID: PMC8210852 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-020-1080-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
In spite of a large number of randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials and observational cohort studies including >50,000 preterm infants from 29 countries that have demonstrated a decrease in the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis, death, and sepsis, routine prophylactic probiotic administration to preterm infants remains uncommon in much of the world. This manuscript reflects talks given at NEC Society Symposium in 2019 and is not intended to be a state-of-the-art review or systematic review, but a summary of the probiotic-specific aspects of the symposium with limited additions including a recent strain-specific network analysis and position statement from the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). We address ten common questions related to the intestinal microbiome and probiotic administration to the preterm infant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark A Underwood
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| | - Erin Umberger
- Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) Society, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ravi M Patel
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Pammi M, Preidis GA, Tarnow-Mordi WO. Evidence from systematic reviews of randomized trials on enteral lactoferrin supplementation in preterm neonates. Biochem Cell Biol 2020; 99:20-24. [PMID: 32721215 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2020-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In this commentary, we summarize the current evidence from randomized controlled trials on enteral lactoferrin supplementation in preterm neonates. Our recently completed systematic review includes 12 randomized controlled trials performed all over the world. Our meta-analysis suggests clinical benefit in decreasing late-onset sepsis, late-onset fungal sepsis, length of stay in the hospital and urinary tract infections. There were no adverse effects. There was no statistically significant decrease in necrotizing enterocolitis, mortality or neurodevelopmental impairment in lactoferrin supplemented preterm infants. There was significant statistical heterogeneity in the effects of lactoferrin on late-onset sepsis between larger and smaller studies, which may reflect either small study biases, differences in the effectiveness, dose or duration of supplemental lactoferrin products, or differences in underlying population risk, or any or all of these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohan Pammi
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Geoffrey A Preidis
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Baylor College of Medicine & Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - William O Tarnow-Mordi
- WINNER Centre for Newborn Research, NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2050, Australia
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Gray KD, Messina JA, Cortina C, Owens T, Fowler M, Foster M, Gbadegesin S, Clark RH, Benjamin DK, Zimmerman KO, Greenberg RG. Probiotic Use and Safety in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: A Matched Cohort Study. J Pediatr 2020; 222:59-64.e1. [PMID: 32418818 PMCID: PMC7321859 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpeds.2020.03.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the prevalence of probiotic administration in infants born preterm over time, as well as the association between probiotic administration and select adverse outcomes. STUDY DESIGN We performed a multicenter cohort study of infants 23-29 weeks of gestational age admitted to 289 neonatal intensive care units from 1997 to 2016. We evaluated the type of probiotics given and prevalence of exposure to probiotics over time and by site. We matched infants exposed to probiotics by several factors to unexposed infants receiving enteral feeds on the same postnatal day. We performed conditional logistic regression to evaluate the association between probiotics exposure and adverse outcomes, including necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), bloodstream infections, meningitis, and death. RESULTS Of 78 076 infants, 3626 (4.6%) received probiotics. Probiotic use increased over the study period and varied among neonatal intensive care units. We matched 2178 infants exposed to probiotics to 33 807 without exposure. Probiotic administration was associated with a decrease in NEC (OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.48-0.80) and death (OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.39-0.70), an increase in Candida infection (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.29-3.85), but no increase in bloodstream infection (OR 0.86, 95% CI 0.70-1.05) or meningitis (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.40-3.46). CONCLUSIONS Probiotic use increased over time and was associated with decreased odds of NEC and death. Prospective, randomized-controlled studies of specific probiotic products are needed to further investigate the safety and efficacy of probiotics in preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keyaria D Gray
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Rachel G Greenberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC; Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, NC; and.
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Bührer C, Fischer HS, Wellmann S. Nutritional interventions to reduce rates of infection, necrotizing enterocolitis and mortality in very preterm infants. Pediatr Res 2020; 87:371-377. [PMID: 31645057 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0630-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Observational studies demonstrating reduced rates of infections, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), and mortality in preterm infants fed their own mother's milk, as opposed to formula, have prompted endeavors to achieve similar effects with the right choice of food and food additives. In a systematic review of meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials (RCTs), we considered nutritional interventions aimed at reducing the rates of infections, NEC, or mortality in very preterm infants. The overall effects of particular interventions were presented as risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals. In RCTs, pasteurized human donor milk, as opposed to formula, reduced NEC but not infections or mortality. No differences emerged between infants receiving human or bovine milk-based fortifiers. Pooled data of small trials and a recent large RCT suggested that bovine lactoferrin reduced rates of fungal sepsis without impact on other infections, NEC, or mortality. Pooled data of RCTs assessing the use of prebiotic oligosaccharides found reduced infection but not mortality. Enteral L-glutamine (six RCTs) lowered infection rates, and enteral L-arginine (three RCTs) reduced NEC. A meta-analysis sensitivity approach found multiple-strain (but not single-strain) probiotics to be highly effective in reducing NEC and mortality. Thus, selected food components may help to improve outcomes in preterm infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Bührer
- Department of Neonatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Hendrik S Fischer
- Department of Neonatology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Wellmann
- Division of Neonatology, University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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Chen SM, Huang JY, Wu MC, Chen JY. The Risk of Developing Constipation After Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:120. [PMID: 32318523 PMCID: PMC7147349 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a complex and lethal inflammatory bowel necrosis that primarily affects premature infants. Gut dysbiosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of NEC. We aim to assess the association between NEC and two other diseases in children, including allergic diseases and constipation, considered to be associated with the alterations in gut microbiota composition. Methods: This retrospective population-based cohort study was conducted using the Taiwan Birth Registration Database, Birth Certificate Application, and National Health Insurance Research Database to inter-link the medical claims of neonates and their mothers. A total of 2,650,634 delivery events were retrieved from 2005 to 2015. We identified a NEC cohort and selected a comparison cohort according to propensity score matching (1:1). Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to determine possible associations of predictors and to obtain adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs). Results: A total of 1,145 subjects in the NEC cohort and 1,145 subjects in the matched cohort were analyzed during the observation period. No significant difference was observed in the incidence of allergic diseases between the two groups. NEC patients had a significant 30.7% increased risk of developing constipation (aHR = 1.307; 95% CI 1.089-1.568). The cumulative incidence of constipation was significantly higher in the NEC cohort than in the matched cohort by the end of follow-up (log-rank test P = 0.003). Conclusion: Infants with NEC have a significantly higher incidence rate of developing constipation and FTT but no increased risk of allergic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Ming Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jing-Yang Huang
- Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Research, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Chi Wu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Medical Informatics, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Yuh Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Changhua Christian Children's Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
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Meyer MP, Chow SSW, Alsweiler J, Bourchier D, Broadbent R, Knight D, Lynn AM, Patel H. Probiotics for Prevention of Severe Necrotizing Enterocolitis: Experience of New Zealand Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:119. [PMID: 32318522 PMCID: PMC7154127 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) affects mainly preterm infants, has a multifactorial etiology and is associated with intestinal dysbiosis and disordered immunity. Use of probiotics for prophylaxis is beneficial with studies indicating reduction in NEC ≥ stage 2, late onset sepsis (LOS) and mortality. However, not all studies have shown a reduction, there are questions regarding which probiotic to use, whether infants <1,000 g benefit and the risk of probiotic sepsis. All neonatal intensive care units in New Zealand (NZ) use probiotics and contribute to an international database (Australian and New Zealand Neonatal Network or ANZNN). Objective: To use ANZNN data to investigate the experience of NZ neonatal units with probiotics for NEC prevention in a setting where the baseline incidence of severe NEC was low, to compare results of 2 commonly used probiotic regimes and report on the extremely low birth weight subgroup. Method: Outcomes before (Pre group 2007-2010) and after (Probiotic group 2013-2015) starting routine probiotics for preterm infants <1,500 g or <32 weeks were compared. Clinicians reviewed cases to ensure they met database criteria. Five units used Infloran (Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus) and 1 unit used Lactobacillus GG (LGG) and bovine lactoferrin (bLF). Results: Four thousand five hundred and twenty nine infants were included and Pre and Probiotic groups were well-balanced with regard to gestation, birth weight and gender. The incidence of NEC in the Probiotic group was 1.6 and 2.7% in the pre group (corrected OR 0.62 CI 0.41-0.94). There was one case of probiotic sepsis. There was no significant difference between the Infloran and LGG/bLF combinations in regard to observed NEC rates. Late onset sepsis rates were significantly lower in the Probiotic group (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Introduction of probiotics for preterm infants in NZ has been associated with significant reductions in NEC and late onset sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Meyer
- Neonatal Unit, KidzFirst, Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.,Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Sharon S W Chow
- Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jane Alsweiler
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Neonatal Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | | | - David Knight
- Department of Paediatrics: Child and Youth Health, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Neonatal Unit, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Adrienne M Lynn
- Neonatal Unit, Christchurch Women's Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Harshad Patel
- Neonatal Unit, Wellington Hospital, Wellington, New Zealand
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48
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Xiong T, Maheshwari A, Neu J, Ei-Saie A, Pammi M. An Overview of Systematic Reviews of Randomized-Controlled Trials for Preventing Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants. Neonatology 2020; 117:46-56. [PMID: 31838477 DOI: 10.1159/000504371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) remains a major cause for neonatal mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. The purpose of this review was to summarize evidence from systematic reviews of randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) regarding antenatal and postnatal interventions for preventing NEC. PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library Databases, Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and Campbell Library were searched for meta-analyses in which NEC was reported as an outcome after antenatal or postnatal strategies. The AMSTAR instrument was used to evaluate quality of included reviews. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation assessment was used to evaluate certainty of evidence. We identified 98 meta-analyses of RCTs. The quality of included reviews was adequate, whereas the certainty of evidence was moderate to very low. Moderate certainty evidence showed a reduction in NEC following administration of a combination of species of probiotics, probiotics (any), antenatal corticosteroids in pregnant women at risk of preterm birth, and ibuprofen versus indomethacin for treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA). For surgical NEC, moderate certainty evidence showed an increased risk with lower (85-89%) oxygen saturation target levels, compared with higher (91-95%) oxygen saturation target levels. In conclusion, decreased risk of NEC is observed with probiotics, antenatal corticosteroids for women at risk of preterm birth, and ibuprofen versus indomethacin for treatment of PDA. Targeting lower oxygen saturations may increase the risk of surgical NEC, compared to targeting higher saturations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Xiong
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China
| | - Akhil Maheshwari
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Josef Neu
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Ahmed Ei-Saie
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Mohan Pammi
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas, USA,
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49
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Qazi KR, Bach Jensen G, van der Heiden M, Björkander S, Holmlund U, Haileselassie Y, Kokkinou E, Marchini G, Jenmalm MC, Abrahamsson T, Sverremark-Ekström E. Extremely Preterm Infants Have Significant Alterations in Their Conventional T Cell Compartment during the First Weeks of Life. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 204:68-77. [PMID: 31801814 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Extremely preterm neonates are particularly susceptible to infections, likely because of severely impaired immune function. However, little is known on the composition of the T cell compartment in early life in this vulnerable population. We conducted a comprehensive phenotypic flow cytometry-based longitudinal analysis of the peripheral conventional T cell compartment of human extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGAN) with extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <1000 g) participating in a randomized placebo-controlled study of probiotic supplementation. PBMCs from ELGAN/ELBW neonates were collected at day 14, day 28, and postmenstrual week 36. Comparisons were made with full-term 14-d-old neonates. Total CD4+ and CD8+ T cell frequencies were markedly lower in the preterm neonates. The reduction was more pronounced among the CD8+ population, resulting in an increased CD4/CD8 ratio. The preterm infants were also more Th2 skewed than the full-term infants. Although the frequency of regulatory T cells seemed normal in the ELGAN/ELBW preterm neonates, their expression of the homing receptors α4β7, CCR4, and CCR9 was altered. Notably, ELGAN/ELBW infants developing necrotizing enterocolitis before day 14 had higher expression of CCR9 in CD4+T cells at day 14. Chorioamnionitis clearly associated with reduced T regulatory cell frequencies and functional characteristics within the preterm group. Finally, probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri did not impose any phenotypic changes of the conventional T cell compartment. In conclusion, notable immaturities of the T cell compartment in ELGAN/ELBW neonates may at least partially explain their increased susceptibility to severe immune-mediated morbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaleda Rahman Qazi
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Georg Bach Jensen
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Paediatrics, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden; and
| | - Marieke van der Heiden
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sophia Björkander
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrika Holmlund
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yeneneh Haileselassie
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Efthymia Kokkinou
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giovanna Marchini
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria C Jenmalm
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden
| | - Thomas Abrahamsson
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Paediatrics, Linköping University, 581 83 Linköping, Sweden; and
| | - Eva Sverremark-Ekström
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
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50
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Delaplain PT, Bell BA, Wang J, Isani M, Zhang E, Gayer CP, Grishin AV, Ford HR. Effects of artificially introduced Enterococcus faecalis strains in experimental necrotizing enterocolitis. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216762. [PMID: 31675374 PMCID: PMC6824573 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Enterococcus faecalis is a ubiquitous intestinal symbiont and common early colonizer of the neonatal gut. Although colonization with E. faecalis has been previously associated with decreased pathology of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), these bacteria have been also implicated as opportunistic pathogens. Here we characterized 21 strains of E. faecalis, naturally occurring in 4-day-old rats, for potentially pathogenic properties and ability to colonize the neonatal gut. The strains differed in hemolysis, gelatin liquefaction, antibiotic resistance, biofilm formation, and ability to activate the pro-inflammatory transcription factor NF-κB in cultured enterocytes. Only 3 strains, BB70, 224, and BB24 appreciably colonized the neonatal intestine on day 4 after artificial introduction with the first feeding. The best colonizer, strain BB70, effectively displaced E. faecalis of maternal origin. Whereas BB70 and BB24 significantly increased NEC pathology, strain 224 significantly protected from NEC. Our results show that different strains of E. faecalis may be pathogenic or protective in experimental NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T. Delaplain
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Brandon A. Bell
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Jin Wang
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Mubina Isani
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Emily Zhang
- Shady Side Academy, Pittsburgh, PA, United States of America
| | - Christopher P. Gayer
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
| | - Anatoly V. Grishin
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Henri R. Ford
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States of America
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