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Clinical Trial Summary

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal catastrophe affecting 10-15% of premature neonates of <1500 gm. NEC is a disease of the immature intestine, characterized by impaired mucosal barrier function leading to increased gut permeability. We have previously demonstrated a protective effect of probiotic administration against the development of NEC. Others have shown that prebiotics can stimulate natural production of bifidobacteria and lactobacillus in the preterm gut. We have therefore hypothesized that prophylactic administration of prebiotics would also provide protection against necrotizing enterocolitis in the premature neonate, without the potential for sepsis which has been reported on rare occasions with probiotics administration.


Clinical Trial Description

Specifically, we hope to demonstrate that fewer of the babies who are treated with galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS) will develop NEC as compared with controls.

Preterm neonates, <1750 gm birth weight will potentially be candidates for study. They will be randomly assigned to receive one of two milk additives from the time enteral feeds are begun until 35 weeks post-conceptual age: prebiotics (GOS) or placebo (water). All infants will be followed prospectively for signs of feeding intolerance and/or development of NEC. These will be compared between the two groups. ;


Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Prevention


Related Conditions & MeSH terms


NCT number NCT00437567
Study type Interventional
Source Shaare Zedek Medical Center
Contact Cathy Hammerman, MD
Phone 9722 666-6238
Email cathy@cc.huji.ac.il
Status Recruiting
Phase Phase 2
Start date July 2009
Completion date July 2014

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