Effects of Lactobacillus reuteri on early feeding tolerance and infection prevention in preterm infants:A report of 93 cases / 中国实用儿科杂志

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To explore role of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in the early feeding tolerance,growth and infection prevention of preterm infants. METHODS: The clinical data of 93 cases of preterm infants admitted between January 2017 and June 2018 to the First Department of Neonatology,Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University were analyzed retrospectively. All thecases weredividedintotheinterventiongroup(n=45)and the control group(n=48). Both groups of preterm infants were fed with the same type of premature infant formula and received parenteral nutrition if necessary. The intervention groupwas givena dose of 1×108 colony-forming units(5 drops)of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 once a day,until discharge.The control group did not take any probiotics. The early feeding tolerance,reflux,growth,nosocomial infection,neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis and adverse effects were observed in both groups of preterm infants. RESULTS: The incidence of vomiting,abdominal distension and gastric retention in the intervention group was lower than that in the control group(P0.05). The length of hospital stay was shorter in intervention group than in the control group(P<0.05). No adverse effects were found in the intervention group. CONCLUSION: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 can improve the early feeding tolerance of preterm infants,reduce reflux,promote growth and shorten the length ofhospitalstay.