Prophylactic probiotics for preterm infants reduces mortality
Brok, J.; Pryds, O.; Smith, B.
Ugeskrift for Laeger 174(7): 409-412
2012
ISSN/ISBN: 1603-6824 PMID: 22331042 Document Number: 658440
Meta-analyses indicate that prophylactic probiotics for preterm infants reduces mortality and necrotising enterocolitis significantly. Despite the robust evidence clinicians are reluctant to implement probiotics because the beneficial mechanism is not clearly understood and due to concerns about the safety, the long-term effects, and the optimal treatment regimen. Hence, only few countries and only two-thirds of the Danish neonatal departments use probiotics. Currently three large randomised trials on probiotics vs. placebo are ongoing and it is an ethical dilemma whether to proceed or terminate the trials.