title: Understanding the Biologic Therapies of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics: Exploring Current Evidence for Use in Premature Infants for the Prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis.
abstract: Necrotizing enterocolitis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in very low-birth-weight infants (<1500 g), with current preventive strategies unclear. Scientific evidence has recently emerged, suggesting that probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics may effectively and safely alter the premature intestinal microbiota, enhancing a deficient innate immune response and maturing the intestinal barrier to prevent necrotizing enterocolitis development. Currently, formal recommendations do not support routine use of these dietary supplementations for premature infants. Here, we examine how probiotic, prebiotic, and synbiotic preparations physiologically alter the underdeveloped intestinal microbial environment to potentially reduce necrotizing enterocolitis incidence and discuss current evidence that has examined safety and efficacy factors potentially supporting routine use among the premature infant population.
authors.affiliation: Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia (Mr Asmerom and Ms Crowe and Dr Marin); and Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia (Dr Marin).
authors.forename: Mussie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Asmerom
authors.forename: Lindsay
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Crowe
authors.forename: Terri
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Marin
mesh_terms: D001691:Biological Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / Q000382:microbiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000069196:Gastrointestinal Microbiome / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology; D056692:Prebiotics; D019936:Probiotics; D058616:Synbiotics; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D056692:Prebiotics