title: Impact of oral probiotics on neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to evaluate the neurodevelopment outcomes of very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants supplemented with oral probiotics for the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective follow-up study was performed in a cohort of VLBW preterm infants enrolled in a single center randomized controlled clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of oral probiotics for the prevention of NEC. Cognitive and neuromotor developments 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 18-24 months' corrected age.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 400 infants completed the trial protocol. Of the 370 infants eligible for follow-up, 249 infants (124 in the probiotics group and 125 in the control group) were evaluated. There was no significant difference in any of the neurodevelopmental and sensory outcomes between the two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Oral probiotic given to VLBW infants to reduce the incidense and severity of NEC started with the first feed did not affect neuromotor, neurosensory and cognitive outcomes at 18-24 months' corrected age.
authors.affiliation: a Division of Neonatology and.
authors.forename: Melek
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Akar
authors.affiliation: b Division of Developmental Behavioral Pediatrics Unit , Zekai Tahir Burak Maternity Teaching Hospital , Ankara , Turkey.
authors.forename: Zeynep
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Eras
authors.affiliation: a Division of Neonatology and.
authors.forename: Mehmet Yekta
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Oncel
authors.affiliation: a Division of Neonatology and.
authors.forename: Sema
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Arayici
authors.affiliation: a Division of Neonatology and.
authors.forename: Nilufer
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Guzoglu
authors.affiliation: a Division of Neonatology and.
authors.forename: Fuat Emre
authors.initials: FE
authors.lastname: Canpolat
authors.affiliation: a Division of Neonatology and.
authors.forename: Nurdan
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Uras
authors.affiliation: a Division of Neonatology and.
authors.forename: Serife Suna
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Oguz
mesh_terms: D002657:Child Development; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D020345:Enterocolitis, Necrotizing / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control; D019102:Infant, Very Low Birth Weight; D008297:Male; D065886:Neurodevelopmental Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control*; D019936:Probiotics / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D011446:Prospective Studies
keywords: Lactobacillus reuteri; neurodevelopmental outcome; preterm infant; probiotic