Table 1.
Baseline characteristics of the probiotic and non-probiotic cohort.
| Variable | Probiotics (n = 109) | No Probiotics (n = 124) | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gestational age (weeks) | 29 (27.9–30.3) | 28.5 (26.9–30.0) | p = 0.034* |
| Weight (g) | 1040 (909–1260) | 1065 (830–1280) | NS |
| Maternal age (years) | 35(29–38) | 34 (30–37) | NS |
| Multiple gestation | 50 (45.9%) | 41 (33.1%) | p = 0.046* |
| Antenatal steroids (full course) | 80 (73.4%) | 95 (76.6%) | NS |
| Antenatal steroids (partial course) | 25 (22.9%) | 25 (20.2%) | NS |
| Sex (men) | 58 (53.2%) | 54 (43.5%) | NS |
| Maternal hypertension | 27 (24.8%) | 16 (12.9%) | p = 0.020* |
| Labour (caesarean) | 73 (67%) | 75 (60.5%) | NS |
| Chorioamnionitis | 29(26.6%) | 30 (24.8%) | NS |
| Advanced resuscitation | 18 (16.7%) | 18 (14.8%) | NS |
| Umbilical artery pH | 7.27 (7.21–7.32) | 7.26(7.19–7.30) | NS |
| Apgar, 5 min (median and IQR) | 9 (8–10) | 9 (8–10) | NS |
| Exclusive breastfeeding | 65.4% | 64.5% | NS |
| Mixed feeding | 29 (27.1%) | 40 (33.3%) | NS |
| Formula feeding | 8 (7.5%) | 3 (2.5%) | NS |
Variables expressed as median and interquartile range or percentage, where applicable. Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric U of Mann Whitney, with a degree of significance at 0.05. Antenatal steroids: administration of corticosteroids (betamethasone) to induce lung maturation prior to preterm birth, and to reduce respiratory distress; 1 dose is considered partial, and 2 doses are considered a full course. Chorioamnionitis: Infection of the placenta and the amniotic fluid. Mixed feeding: Combination of breast milk and formula feeding. Advanced resuscitation: Need for intubation, cardiac compressions, or adrenaline in labour suite.
*Statistical significance.