and Food Probiotics and Prebiotics-Applications to Neonatal Intensive Care

Advances in neonatal intensive care over the last 25 years have significantly improved the survival of preterm very low birth weight (VLBW: Birth weight <1500 g) infants. Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC ≥ Stage II) is the commonest acquired gastrointestinal emergency in this population. NEC affects about 6 to 7% of preterm VLBW infants and carries significant mortality (~25%) and morbidity including recurrent sepsis, complications of prolonged parenteral nutrition, need for surgery, and survival with short bowel syndrome [1]. Mortality (45% to 100%) and the risk of long term Neurodevelopmental Impairment (NDI) is higher in extremely low birth weight (ELBW: Birth weight < 100 g) infants needing surgery for the illness. The economic burden of NEC is also significant considering the complications of ≥ Stage II NEC that prolong the hospital stay [1].