Bifidobacterium longum subsp infantis (EVC001) is associated with reduced incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis stage ≥2 and bloody stools in premature babies

Kristin Sohn; Victoria Palacios; Reese Clark

doi:10.1038/s41372-024-02188-8

Bifidobacterium longum subsp infantis (EVC001) is associated with reduced incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis stage ≥2 and bloody stools in premature babies

J Perinatol. 2024 Dec 6. doi: 10.1038/s41372-024-02188-8. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Kristin Sohn^{1

2}, Victoria Palacios³, Reese Clark⁴

Affiliations

¹ Department of Pediatrics, University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA. kristin.sohn@pediatrix.com.
² Pediatrix Neonatology of Nevada, Reno, NV, USA. kristin.sohn@pediatrix.com.
³ University of Nevada School of Medicine, Reno, NV, USA.
⁴ Pediatrix Center for Research and Education, Sunrise, FL, USA.

PMID: 39643694
DOI: 10.1038/s41372-024-02188-8

Abstract

Objective: To utilize an evidence-based probiotic protocol to achieve a 50% reduction in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) ≥ stage 2 and bloody stools.

Study design: From January 2022 through September 2023, daily enteral Bifidobacterium longum ssp. infantis EVC001 (B. infantis EVC001) was administered to babies ≤ 33 6/7 weeks gestation until 36 weeks post menstrual age. Feeding tolerance and complications were compared to babies admitted during the prior two-year period. Fisher's Exact test was used to analyze proportional data and t test was used for continuous variables.

Results: A total of 265 babies received EVC001, and a total of 277 babies formed the pre-probiotic cohort. Probiotic use was associated with decreased NEC ≥ stage 2 (p = 0.0058), reduced bloody stools (p < 0.0001), decreased time to full enteral feeds (p < 0.0001), and decreased total parenteral nutrition (TPN) days (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion: Administration of B. infantis EVC001 was associated with a decrease in NEC, a decrease in bloody stools, and improvement in feeding tolerance in premature babies.