Clinical Trials Logo

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

See also
  Status Clinical Trial Phase
Recruiting NCT05544097 - Spectral Analysis of Bowel Sounds in Preterm Babies of Less Than 32 Weeks of Amenorrhea (WA) as Predictive Factor of Enterocolitis N/A
Recruiting NCT03210831 - Early Predictors of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Neonates
Not yet recruiting NCT06045130 - PUFAs in Preterm Infants
Recruiting NCT02552706 - The Efficacy and Mechanisms of Oral Probiotics in Preventing Necrotizing Enterocolitis N/A
Completed NCT02400697 - Placental Transfusion Project for Preterm Infants N/A
Completed NCT01751477 - Infloran® for Prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis N/A
Terminated NCT01156480 - Anti-inflammatory Treatment at the Onset of Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in Preterm Infants N/A
Completed NCT00787124 - Transfusions and Nitric Oxide Level in Preterm Infants
Unknown status NCT00254176 - Cysteine Supplementation in Critically Ill Neonates Phase 2/Phase 3
Recruiting NCT01441739 - Intestinal Failure in Necrotising Enterocolitis N/A
Recruiting NCT03869827 - Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Fetuses With Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Recruiting NCT04074824 - A Genome-Wide Association Study for Neonatal Diseases
Terminated NCT03320785 - Circulating Markers in Preterm Infants With Perinatal and Neonatal Inflammation
Active, not recruiting NCT03554278 - Alteration of Stool Microbiota in Preterm Infants With Anemia
Not yet recruiting NCT04541771 - The Role of Lactobacillus Reuteri in Preventing Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC) in Pre-term Infants Phase 2
Not yet recruiting NCT03700957 - The Impact of Docosahexaenoic Acid on the Prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Neonates N/A
Completed NCT03551600 - Splanchnic and Renal Tissue Oxygenation During Enteral Feedings in Neonates With Patent Ductus Arteriosus
Unknown status NCT01807858 - The Effects of Synbiotics on Morbidity and Mortality in Preterm Infants N/A
Completed NCT01735578 - Splanchnic Tissue Oxygenation During Enteral Feedings in Anemic Premature Infants at Risk for Necrotizing Enterocolitis N/A
Completed NCT01745510 - Enteral Administration of Docosahexaenoic Acid to Prevent Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Neonates Phase 1/Phase 2