Date of Award

8-12-2024

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

MS in Physician Assistant Studies (PA)

Department

Physician Assistant Studies

First Advisor

Ryane Lester

Abstract

Background: The incidence of preterm infants developing serious infections is a common finding in many neonatal intensive care units. Probiotics have been a supplement that has been used by numerous people to improve the microbiota of the intestine for prevention of infection.

Purpose: The purpose of this literature review is to explore the efficacy of using probiotics in preterm infants for prevention of serious infections such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) and sepsis.

Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Lindell Library, Pub Med, Science Direct and Google Scholar. Using the search terms probiotics, probiotics in premature infants, probiotics and microbiota, probiotics and NEC in infants. Inclusion criteria were studies that were in English that were published in the last decade and studies that were trials. Exclusion criteria were studies that were not in English and research that did not help to answer the research question.

Conclusions: There are many circumstances that put preterm infants at a disadvantage for developing serious infections such as prolonged hospital stay, low birth weight, early gestational age, antibiotic use and feeding method. Probiotics were found to be beneficial from numerous clinical studies in preventing serious infections. It is important for the provider to decide with the parents of the patient if the benefits of using probiotics in infants outweighs the risks of probiotic induced sepsis.

Identifier

SC 11.PAS.2024.Teekadah.V.K

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