Impact of Probiotic Supplementation on Preterm Neonatal Outcomes: A Case Control Study

Dr. Jaykumar S. Chopda, Dr. Maulik Shah, Dr. Hemangini Kharadi, Dr. Tejash Joshi, Dr. Bhadresh R. Vyas

Abstract: Background: Preterm neonates face complications such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), feeding intolerance, and sub-optimal postnatal growth [1,2]. Probiotic supplementation is a cost-effective intervention proposed to improve outcomes [3]. Objective: To assess the impact of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum supplementation on feeding milestones, growth parameters, NEC incidence, and safety in preterm neonates. Methods: This hospital-based case-control study enrolled 65 preterm neonates (<37 weeks, <2500 g birth weight) admitted to the NICU at Shri M.P. Shah Government Medical College, Jamnagar. Thirty-five neonates received probiotics for 28 days (cases), and 30 received standard care (controls). Outcomes included time to full enteral feeds, growth velocity, NEC incidence, and hospital stay. Statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: Probiotic group infants achieved full feeds earlier (8.7 ± 2 vs. 9.7 ± 2 days; p = 0.04) and had higher discharge weight (2473 ± 446 g vs. 2376 ± 436 g; p = 0.04) and larger head circumference (33.5 ± 1.8 cm vs. 32.5 ± 1.7 cm; p = 0.02). NEC was absent in the probiotic group vs. 3.3% in controls (p = 0.31). No increase in mortality or adverse events was noted. Conclusion: Probiotics are safe, improve feeding tolerance and growth, and may reduce NEC in preterm neonates.

Keywords: Probiotics, preterm neonates, NEC, feeding tolerance, growth

How to Cite?: Dr. Jaykumar S. Chopda, Dr. Maulik Shah, Dr. Hemangini Kharadi, Dr. Tejash Joshi, Dr. Bhadresh R. Vyas, "Impact of Probiotic Supplementation on Preterm Neonatal Outcomes: A Case Control Study", Volume 14 Issue 7, July 2025, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 1688-1690, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR25724200937, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR25724200937