Probiotics for preterms: sharing complex decision-making | Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology

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Probiotics might prevent some necrotizing enterocolitis, late-onset sepsis and mortality in preterm infants. However, clinical practice varies widely, and families are often excluded from shared decision making. This Clinical Outlook highlights current evidence, clinical practice guidelines and the future outlook of probiotics in the neonatal intensive care unit.

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Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA

Geoffrey A. Preidis

Newcastle Neonatal Service, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Janet E. Berrington

Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK

Janet E. Berrington

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Correspondence to Geoffrey A. Preidis.

G.A.P. and J.E.B. received travel and lodging support to attend the International Scientific Association for Probiotics and Prebiotics international meeting in Cork, Ireland 9–12 July 2024, where the idea for this manuscript was conceived and developed from discussions during the meeting. G.A.P. serves as an unpaid member of the ISAPP board of directors.

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Preidis, G.A., Berrington, J.E. Probiotics for preterms: sharing complex decision-making. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-024-01009-9

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Published: 04 November 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41575-024-01009-9

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