Role of probiotics in the prevention of the enteric colonization by Candida in preterm newborns: incidence of late-onset sepsis and neurological outcome.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in the prevention of gastrointestinal colonization by Candida species, of late-onset sepsis and neurological outcome in preterm newborns.


METHODS
A prospective study was conducted in 249 preterms who were subdivided into three groups: one group (n=83) was supplemented with Lactobacillus (L.) reuteri, one group with L. rhamnosus (n=83) and the other with no supplementation (n=83). The fungal colonization in the gastrointestinal tract, the late onset of sepsis and clinical parameters were recorded. A neurological structured assessment was further performed at 1 year of age.


RESULTS
Candida stool colonization was significantly higher (P<0.01) in the control group than in the groups treated with probiotics. The L. reuteri group presented a significantly higher reduction in gastrointestinal symptoms than did the L. rhamnosus and control groups. Infants treated with probiotics showed a statistically significant lower incidence of abnormal neurological outcome than did the control group.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of both probiotics seems to be effective in the prevention of gastrointestinal colonization by Candida, in the protection from late-onset sepis and in reducing abnormal neurological outcomes in preterms.
Romeo
M G
MG
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
Romeo
D M
DM
Trovato
L
L
Oliveri
S
S
Palermo
F
F
Cota
F
F
Betta
P
P
D002177:Candidiasis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007363:Intensive Care Units, Neonatal / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D052200:Limosilactobacillus reuteri; D052201:Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus; D008297:Male; D009181:Mycoses / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D009460:Neurologic Examination; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies
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