Impact of probiotics on gut microbiome of extremely preterm or extremely low birthweight infants.

Meta-analysis of probiotic administration to very preterm or very low birthweight (VP/VLBW) infants shows reduced risk of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). Separately reported outcomes for extremely preterm infants (<28 weeks) or extremely low birth weight infants (<1000 g) (EP/ELBW) are lacking meaning some clinicians do not administer probiotics to EP/ELBW infants despite their high risk of NEC. We present data showing the gut microbiome is impacted in EP/ELBW infants in a similar manner to VP/VLBW infants, suggesting that risk reduction for necrotising enterocolitis that is microbiome driven will also be seen in EP/ELBW infants, making probiotic administration beneficial.