Effectiveness of probiotics in the prophylaxis of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm neonates: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective: to elucidate the benefits of using probiotics in the prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis (nec) and its complications in preterm newborns. method: this was a systematic review of randomized controlled trials,which included studies retrieved from three databases (medline,embase,and lilacs),using a combination of the terms (necrotizing enterocolitis) and (probiotics). results: 11 randomized trials were included,totaling 2,887 patients,1,431 in the probiotic group and 1,456 in the control group. there was a reduction in the incidence of nec (nnt = 25),overall death (nnt = 34),and neonatal sepsis (nnt = 34) in the probiotic group compared to the control group. patients that received probiotic supplementation had lower food reintroduction time (p < 0.001) and hospitalization time (p < 0.001) when compared to those not receiving probiotics. there was no difference in mortality caused by nec. conclusion: in premature newborns,the use of probiotics is effective as a prophylaxis for nec and its complications. copyright © 2013 sociedade brasileira de pediatria. published by elsevier editora ltda. all rights reserved.