Role of Saccharomyces boulardii in prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm very low birth weight infants in a tertiary care hospital in northern India.

Dr Raman Sharma; Dr Kajal Khajuria; Dr Syed Tariq

Volume : IX, Issue : VIII, August - 2020

Role of Saccharomyces boulardii in prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm very low birth weight infants in a tertiary care hospital in northern India.

Dr Raman Sharma, Dr Kajal Khajuria, Dr Syed Tariq

Abstract :

Background : Saccharomyces boulardii is a yeast which acts both as a probiotic and a polyamine producer and it has strain specific effects. The role of probiotic bacteria has been studied extensively but the effects of fungi in preventing diseases in preterm infants have been investigated poorly. Aims and objective: The main aim of the study is to determine the efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii in prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm VLBW babies. Methods: A prospective–retrospective type of study was done over a period of one year in NICU of post graduate department of pediatrics, GB Pant hospital, GMC Srinagar. Results: Out of 120 patients who received probiotic, NEC stage > 2 was seen in 7.5 % (9/120) of patients whereas mortality was 5% (6/120). In control group 9.1 % (11/120) patients developed NEC stage > 2 with mortality of 5.8 % (7/120). There was no significant difference in incidence of NEC stage > 2 and mortality between these two groups. (P value 0.64) Conclusion: Single strain probiotic in the form of Saccharomyces boulardii failed to reduce the incidence or mortality in patients of NEC significantly.