Impact of Probiotic Supplementation on duration of hospital stay in Preterm and Low Birth Weight Neonates In a Tertiary Care Centre: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background: Globally, an estimated 15 million babies are born prematurely each year, while over 20 million infants are born with low birth weight (LBW). The worldwide prevalence of preterm birth (PTB) is about 10.6%, with South Asia contributing to over one-third of these cases.[1] In India, between 2019 and 2021, around 12% of births were preterm, and 18% of newborns had low birth weight. Additionally, nearly 3 million stillbirths occur globally each year, with 98% taking place in developing countries.[2] Aim- To assess the role of probiotics usage on length of stay in preterm and low birth weight neonates in a tertiary care centre- a randomized control study. Materials and methods : Neonates born between 28–36 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 1800 grams, admitted to the NICU at Sharda Hospital and meeting the inclusion criteria, were enrolled after obtaining informed parental consent. Data were recorded using a structured case form. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups (A and B) using computer-generated block randomization, with allocation concealed in sealed, numbered envelopes. Blinding was maintained for both the medical team and investigators. Bacillus clausii (probiotic) and sterile water (placebo) were identically coded and dispensed, with only the designated nurse aware of group assignments. Each neonate received 2.5 mL of the assigned preparation orally every 12 hours with feeds, continued until discharge or death, and temporarily withheld during feed interruptions. Results During the study period, a total of 112 neonates were enrolled and evenly distributed into two groups: Group A (placebo, n = 56) and Group B (probiotic, n = 56). The baseline demographic characteristics, including gestational age, gender, and birth weight, were comparable between the two groups, indicating effective randomization. A statistically significant reduction in the number of NICU stay days was observed in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group, suggesting a potential benefit of probiotic supplementation in reducing hospital stay duration among preterm and low birth weight neonates. Conclusion : The findings of this study indicate that probiotic supplementation is associated with a significant reduction in the duration of NICU stay among preterm and low birth weight neonates. This suggests that probiotics may serve as an effective adjunct in improving clinical outcomes by shortening hospitalization in this vulnerable population.