Bifidobacterium longum subsp infantis (EVC001) is Associated with Reduced Incidence of Necrotizing Enterocolitis Stage >2 and Bloody Stools in Premature Babies

Objective To utilize an evidence-based probiotic protocol to achieve a 50% reduction in necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) > stage 2 and bloody stools. Study design From January 2022 through September 2023, we administered daily enteral EVC001 to babies < 33 6/7 weeks gestation until 36 weeks post menstrual age. We compared feeding tolerance and complications to babies admitted during the prior two-year period. Fisher’s Exact test was used to analyze proportional data and student t-test was used for continuous variables. Results 265 babies received EVC001. 277 babies formed the pre-probiotic cohort. Probiotic use was associated with decreased NEC > stage 2 ( p =0.0058), reduced bloody stools ( p <0.0001), decreased time to full enteral feeds ( p <0.0001), and decreased total parenteral nutrition (TPN) days ( p <0.0001). Conclusion Supplementation with B. infantis was associated with a decrease in NEC, a decrease in bloody stools, and improvement in feeding tolerance in premature babies.