Probiotic drops may shield preemies from fatal gut infection

NCT ID NCT05710575

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether giving a probiotic (Lactobacillus reuteri) to premature infants could reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe gut infection, and death. One hundred babies born between 28 and 36 weeks and weighing 1000-2500 grams were enrolled. The probiotic group received daily drops, while the control group got no treatment. Researchers tracked NEC, sepsis, feeding tolerance, and hospital stay length.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Probiotic (Lactobacillus reuteri)

What this could lead to

If probiotics reduce NEC and death in preemies, this could become a standard, low-cost addition to NICU care for vulnerable infants.

What could go wrong

This is a small, single-center study (100 infants). Results may not apply to all preemies, and probiotics could rarely cause infections in fragile newborns.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

necrotizing enterocolitis Premature Birth perinatal necrotizing enterocolitis prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • services hospital Pakistan

    Lahore, Punjab Province, 54610, Pakistan