A double-blinded randomized trial on growth and feeding tolerance with Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 in formula-fed preterm infants

Objective: The use of probiotics is increasingly popular in preterm neonates, as they may prevent necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) sepsis and improve growth and feeding tolerance. There is only limited literature on Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 (S. boulardii) in preterm infants. Method: A prospective, randomized, case-controlled trial with the probiotic S. boulardii (50 mg/kg twice daily) was conducted in newborns with a gestational age of 30 to 37 weeks and a birth weight between 1,500 to 2,500 g. Results: 125 neonates were enrolled; 63 in the treatment and 62 in the control group. Weight gain (16.14 ± 1.96 vs. 10.73 ± 1.77 g/kg/day, p < 0.05) and formula intake at maximal enteral feeding (128.4 ± 6.7 vs. 112.3 ± 7.2 mL/kg/day, p < 0.05) were signi“cantly higher in the intervention group. Once enteral feeding was started, the time needed to reach full enteral feeding was signi“cantly shorter in the probiotic group (0.4 ± 0.1 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5 days, p < 0.05). There was no signi“cant difference in sepsis. NEC did not occur. No adverse effects related to S. boulardii were observed.