TY - JOUR
T1 - The effect of glutamine-enriched enteral nutrition on intestinal microflora in very low birth weight infants: A randomized controlled trial.
AU - van den Berg, A.
AU - van Elburg, R.M.
AU - Westerbeek, E.A.
AU - van der Linde, E.G.
AU - Knol, J.
AU - Twisk, J.W.R.
AU - Fetter, W.P.F.
N1 - Aug 2007
PY - 2007
Y1 - 2007
N2 - Background & aims: In a previous study, we have found that glutamine supplementation decreased the infection rate in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. In this study, we investigated whether this beneficial effect originated from increased number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the intestinal microflora of these infants. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, VLBW infants (gestational age <32 weeks and/or birth weight <1500 g) received enteral glutamine supplementation (0.3 g/kg/day) or isonitrogenous placebo supplementation between d3 and d30 of life. Faecal microflora was determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization <48 h, at d7, d14 and d30 of life. Results: In 43/52 (glutamine group) and 43/50 (control group) infants, ≥2 samples were analyzed. Baseline characteristics were not different between groups. The prevalence of bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, Escheria coIi, streptococci and clostridia was not different between groups (p>0.05). In both groups, colonization with bifidobacteria was delayed, whereas potentially pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli, appeared rapidly after birth. Antibiotic treatment decreased the prevalence of all faecal bacteria (p<0.05). Conclusions: Decreased infectious morbidity in VLBW infants that received glutamine supplementation was not associated with alterations in the prevalence of bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, E. coIi, streptococci and clostridia. In general, colonization with health-promoting bacteria was delayed, whereas potentially pathogenic bacteria appeared rapidly after birth. Antibiotic treatment delayed the bacterial colonization. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism.
AB - Background & aims: In a previous study, we have found that glutamine supplementation decreased the infection rate in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. In this study, we investigated whether this beneficial effect originated from increased number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in the intestinal microflora of these infants. Methods: In a randomized controlled trial, VLBW infants (gestational age <32 weeks and/or birth weight <1500 g) received enteral glutamine supplementation (0.3 g/kg/day) or isonitrogenous placebo supplementation between d3 and d30 of life. Faecal microflora was determined by fluorescent in situ hybridization <48 h, at d7, d14 and d30 of life. Results: In 43/52 (glutamine group) and 43/50 (control group) infants, ≥2 samples were analyzed. Baseline characteristics were not different between groups. The prevalence of bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, Escheria coIi, streptococci and clostridia was not different between groups (p>0.05). In both groups, colonization with bifidobacteria was delayed, whereas potentially pathogenic bacteria such as E. coli, appeared rapidly after birth. Antibiotic treatment decreased the prevalence of all faecal bacteria (p<0.05). Conclusions: Decreased infectious morbidity in VLBW infants that received glutamine supplementation was not associated with alterations in the prevalence of bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, E. coIi, streptococci and clostridia. In general, colonization with health-promoting bacteria was delayed, whereas potentially pathogenic bacteria appeared rapidly after birth. Antibiotic treatment delayed the bacterial colonization. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd and European Society for Clinical Nutrition and Metabolism.
U2 - 10.1016/j.clnu.2007.03.002
DO - 10.1016/j.clnu.2007.03.002
M3 - Article
SN - 0261-5614
VL - 26
SP - 430
EP - 439
JO - Clinical Nutrition
JF - Clinical Nutrition
ER -