Lactulose Supplementation in Premature Infants

Condition(s) targeted: Necrotizing Enterocolitis; Sepsis

Intervention: Lactulose (Drug); Dextrose (Dietary Supplement)

Phase: Phase 2

Status: Completed

Sponsored by: Bnai Zion Medical Center

Official(s) and/or principal investigator(s):
Arieh Riskin, MD, Principal Investigator, Affiliation: Department of Neonatology, Bnai Zion Medical Center
Ron Shaoul, MD, Principal Investigator, Affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Bnai Zion Medical Center

A pilot study to test the safety of use of lactulose in preterm infants and to preliminary assess the hypothesis that lactulose would support the early growth of Lactobacilli in the stools of premature infants and possibly would also improve nutritional status and decrease NEC and late-onset sepsis.

Official title: The Effects of Lactulose Supplementation to Enteral Feedings in Premature Infants - A Pilot Study

Study design: Prevention, Randomized, Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator), Placebo Control, Single Group Assignment, Safety/Efficacy Study

Primary outcome: lactulose would support the early growth of Lactobacilli in the stools of premature infants

Secondary outcome: lactulose would also improve nutritional status and decrease NEC and late-onset sepsis in preterm infants

Detailed description: Prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled single center pilot study in 23-34 weeks gestation premature infants. Study group will receive 1% lactulose, while control group will receive 1% dextrose placebo in all their feeds (human milk or preterm formula). Clinical parameters will be followed. Stool samples will be sent for culture.

Minimum age: 23 Weeks. Maximum age: 34 Weeks. Gender(s): Both.

Criteria:

Inclusion Criteria:

Premature infants were recruited based on the following criteria:

- 23-34 weeks' gestation (as determined by a combination of maternal dates, early

prenatal ultrasonography and postnatal gestational age estimation based on physical and neuromuscular signs (New Ballard Score), as long as there will be gestational age agreement between the 3 methods < 2 weeks);

- Absence of major congenital malformations; and

- Informed consent obtained from parents.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Major congenital malformations and parental refusal.

NICU, Department of Neonatology, Bnai Zion Medical Center, Haifa 31048, Israel

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Starting date: February 2005
Ending date: January 2007
Last updated: February 14, 2008