title: Do oral probiotics affect growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in very low-birth-weight preterm infants?
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the growth and neurodevelopment outcomes of very low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants supplemented with oral probiotics for the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
  
  
  METHODS
  This prospective follow-up study was conducted in a cohort of VLBW preterm infants enrolled in a randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of oral probiotics for the prevention of NEC. Growth outcomes included weight, length, and head circumference. Cognitive and neuromotor development were assessed by using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II. Sensory and neurological performance was evaluated by standard techniques. The primary outcome was neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 22 months' corrected age.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 221 infants completed the trial protocol. Of the 208 infants eligible for follow-up, 174 infants (86 in the probiotics group and 88 in the control group) were evaluated. There was no significant difference in growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes between the two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oral probiotic administered to VLBW infants to reduce the incidence and severity of NEC started with the first feed did not affect growth, neuromotor, neurosensory, and cognitive outcomes at 18 to 22 months' corrected age.
authors.affiliation: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity and Teaching Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. fatmanurselek@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Fatma Nur
authors.initials: FN
authors.lastname: Sari
authors.forename: Zeynep
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Eras
authors.forename: Evrim Alyamac
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Dizdar
authors.forename: Omer
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Erdeve
authors.forename: Serife Suna
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Oguz
authors.forename: Nurdan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Uras
authors.forename: Ugur
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Dilmen
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D002657:Child Development / Q000187:drug effects*; D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000517:prevention & control*; D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000254:growth & development*; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight / Q000254:growth & development*; D008297:Male; D019936:Probiotics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011446:Prospective Studies