Probiotics in neonatology
RIS ID
89953
Abstract
Probiotics are micro-organisms that confer health benefits on the host. Postulated mechanisms include: increasing resistance of the mucosal barrier to migration of bacteria and their toxins by strengthening intestinal cell junctions, modification of host response to microbial products, augmentation of immunoglobulin A mucosal responses, enhancement of enteral nutrition to inhibit the growth of pathogens; production of antimicrobial proteins; and competitive exclusion of potential pathogens. Published meta-analyses and systematic reviews report the effects of probiotics on important clinical outcomes in neonates. This paper will review the evidence for probiotic supplementation in neonatology, with a focus on preterm infants.
Publication Details
Hickey, L., Jacobs, S. E., Garland, S. M. & Wright, I. M. R. (2012). Probiotics in neonatology. Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 48 (9), 777-783.