RESUMO
Objective To explore the effects of probiotics on feeding intolerance and early growth and development of premature infants.Methods Eighty premature infants were randomly assigned into 2 groups,the other 40 infants as therapy group,another 40 infants as control group.All infants in 2 groups were given general care and treatment.At the same time,probiotics was administered orally or via a orogastric tube to infants in therapy group within 24 hours after birth.The parameters of head circumference,length and body weight on day 28 of life and the time to achieve full enteral feeding and to regain birth weight were all recorded.The incidence of feeding intolerance of both groups were analyzed.Potential adverse effects associated with probiotics were also monitored.Results The incidence of feeding intolerance was significantly lower in probiotics-treated infants(27.5%) compared with that of control group(52.5%)(?2=5.208 3 P