BioGaia’s Probiotic Prevented Necrotizing Enterocolitis in High Risk Premature Infants

It is very encouraging to see that Lactobacillus reuteri is reducing suffering and saving lives in neonates and that gives us reason for continued studies in this interesting and sensitive area, says Peter Rothschild, Chief Executive Officer, BioGaia.

10 Sep 2012 --- In the retrospective cohort sequential analysis, medical records for 311 premature infants were reviewed, 232 in the years before introduction of Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis prophylaxis (January 2004 - June 2009) and 79 who received Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis prophylaxis (June 2009 - April 2011).

The review compared the rates of NEC in premature infants ≤ 1000 grams birth weight. The incidence of NEC was significantly lower in the infants who received Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis, 2 of 79 infants (2.5%) compared to 35 of 232 (15.1%) of the untreated infants (p=0.0475). No adverse events related to the use of Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis were noted. The preventive supplementation of Lactobacillus reuteri Protectis resulted in avoidance of one case of NEC for every eight infants treated (NNT=8).

The study was published online in the journal BMC Pediatrics on 4 September 2012:BMC Pediatrics

It is very encouraging to see that Lactobacillus reuteri is reducing suffering and saving lives in neonates and that gives us reason for continued studies in this interesting and sensitive area, says Peter Rothschild, Chief Executive Officer, BioGaia.

NEC is the death of intestinal tissue. It predominantly affects premature infants and often results in death or serious medical or neurodevelopmental complications, such as cerebral palsy (CP) and cognitive, visual or hearing impairment. The rate of NEC is highest in the smallest neonates (< 1500 grams) where around 10% of the infants are infected. The death rate ranges between 20 and 30%, with the highest rate among infants requiring surgery.