Background: Probiotics are live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. Probiotics are proposed to aid in the quicker colonisation of the preterm gut by various mechanisms thereby providing innumerable health benefits to the preterm infants. Hence we conducted a study to analyse the role of probiotics in preterm babies. Our primary aim was to compare the weight gain pattern among preterm infants: those receiving probiotic and those who did not receive the probiotic.
Methods: Preterm/VLBW babies were selected, randomized and placed into two groups. One group was given the chosen probiotic and the other was kept as control. The weight gain pattern and the duration of hospital stay among the two groups was compared at the end of one month of age.
Results: The average weight gain in the probiotic group was higher than the control group which was statistically significant. (mean difference: 0.230 + 0.11 95% CI: -0.796 to -0.251 p value <0.000). Conclusions: Our study was yet another evidence proving the utility of probiotics in the field of neonatalogy.

Sukanyaa S has specialized in Pediatric Medicine. She very passionate about her role as a primary care pediatrician with a keen interest in critical care pediatrics, Pediatric Nutition, and Adolescent Pediatrics. Currently she is a consultant in Pediatrics as well as an Adolescent physician and also a Nutritional advisor. She is an upcoming  speaker in a various CME and national conferences.