Probiotics and other preventative strategies for necrotising enterocolitis.
Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) remains one of the commonest causes of death and significant morbidity in preterm infants after the first few postnatal days. NEC affects approximately 5-10% of infants born at <or=28 weeks; about a third will die. Although there do not appear to be any 'simple fixes', it is clear that there are many clinical strategies that affect NEC. There is controlled trial evidence for breast milk, fluid regimes, enteral antibiotics, immunonutrients and probiotic supplements. This paper will review the evidence relevant to current populations of preterm infants and determine which, if any, can be safely and effectively introduced into current clinical practice.
Embleton
Nicholas D
ND
Newcastle Neonatal Service, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP, UK. n.d.embleton@ncl.ac.uk
Yates
Rowena
R
D024361:Amino Acids, Basic / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001942:Breast Feeding; D004326:Drinking; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000379:methods; D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D011181:Postnatal Care; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014867:Water / Q000008:administration & dosage
D024361:Amino Acids, Basic; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D014867:Water