Probiotics for Surgical Neonates

Summary

Probiotics stimulate and support gut self-defensive mechanisms that prevent many types of infections.
In adults who required surgery on the gut, use of probiotics decrease infections and inflammation.
This study aims to assess the effect of probiotics in babies after gut surgery, and observe how probiotics help to protect gut from colonization by dangerous bugs and prevent infections.
Study group (10 infants) will receive probiotics with mother’s milk at the beginning of feeding after surgery.
Their stool samples will be collected and analyzed at the beginning of feeds, 1 and 3 weeks after use of probiotics, and at discharge from NICU.
Another group of 10 infants will receive a placebo.
The results will be compared between both groups.

Eligibility

Currently recruiting participants: Yes

Eligible ages: 0 to 1

Inclusion criteria:

1. Infants admitted to NICU ACH
2. Required gut surgery in the first week of life
3. Ready to start enteral feeding

Exclusion criteria:

1. Infants with major anomalies excluding gut
2. Suspected immune deficiency
3. Palliative care patient
4. Septic babies with positive blood, CSF or urine culture

Participate

Fill out the following form if you want to participate in this research

Method of contact

Additional information

Contact information

balshiak@ucalgary.ca

Principal investigator:

Alexandra Howlett

Clinical trial:

Yes

REB-ID:

REB17-1622