Probiotics for Preterm Infants in India – Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

The objective of the present study is to review current evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of probiotics for preterm infants in India. A systematic review of RCTs of probiotics for preterm infants in India was conducted using Cochrane methodology and PRISMA guidelines. Fixed effects model was used for meta-analysis. Nine RCTs (n = 1514) were included. Meta-analysis showed reduced risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) ≥ Stage II {Risk ratio (RR): 0.36 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.20, 0.66], p = 0.0009, (9 RCTs)}, late onset sepsis [RR: 0.56 (95% CI: 0.45, 0.71), p < 0.00001, (7 RCTs)] and mortality [RR: 0.62 (95% CI: 0.41, 0.95, p = 0.03 (8 RCTs)] in the probiotic group. Probiotics also reduced the time to full feeds [Mean difference (MD): −4.09 d (95% CI: −4.52, −3.65), p < 0.00001, 5 RCTs] and duration of hospital stay [Fixed effects model (FEM): MD: −2.00 d (95% CI: −2.46, −1.53), p < 0.00001, 6 RCTs]. Current evidence from RCTs supports probiotic supplementation for optimizing outcomes of preterm infants in India.