Evaluating the effect of probiotics on severe necrotising enterocolitis in preterm infants born before 32 weeks gestation in England and Wales: a propensity-matched population study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. This study aimed to examine whether probiotics reduce the risk of severe NEC and other key neonatal morbidities including late onset sepsis and mortality.

Methods

Retrospective study using the United Kingdom National Neonatal Research Database. Infants <32 weeks gestation in England and Wales (01/01/2016-31/12/2022) were included if alive on day four, without major congenital anomaly. A propensity score matched approach was applied matching for gestational age cohorts, birth year epochs and 17 further items. Comparators were infants who were exposed or not to probiotics within 14 days. Primary outcome was severe NEC (confirmed at laparotomy or postmortem or li

SUBMITTER: Aveline A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12796542 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature