Effect of Rectal Administration of Breast Milk on Gut Microbiota in Preterm Infants
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Rectal irrigation with maternal breast milk, Rectal irrigation with salin.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Premature, Gut Microbiota Diversity and Composition, NEC - Necrotizing Enterocolitis. Basic parameters: 22 Weeks — 32 Weeks · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Official title
Effect of Rectal Administration of Human Milk on Gut Microbiota and Clinical Outcomes in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Study
Overview
This study aims to evaluate the effect of rectal administration of maternal breast milk on gut microbiota development in preterm infants. Preterm infants are at increased risk of dysbiosis due to immaturity and limited enteral feeding in the early postnatal period. In this randomized controlled study, preterm infants will receive either rectal administration of maternal breast milk or normal saline. The primary objective is to compare gut microbiota composition between the two groups. The findings may provide insight into a novel and non-invasive strategy to support microbiota development in preterm infants.
Detailed description
Preterm infants are highly vulnerable to alterations in gut microbiota due to immaturity, delayed enteral feeding, antibiotic exposure, and environmental factors. Early-life dysbiosis has been associated with adverse outcomes including necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, and impaired immune development. Strategies to promote healthy microbiota colonization in preterm infants are therefore of significant clinical interest.
Breast milk contains beneficial bacteria, prebiotics, and bioactive components that play a critical role in shaping neonatal gut microbiota. However, in the early postnatal period, especially in very preterm infants, enteral feeding may be limited or delayed. Alternative routes of exposure to breast milk components may offer a potential strategy to influence microbiota development.
This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effects of rectal administration of maternal breast milk on gut microbiota in preterm infants. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either rectal maternal breast milk or normal saline. Stool samples will be collected at predefined time points to assess microbiota composition.
The study is designed to explore whether rectal exposure to breast milk can modulate early microbial colonization and provide a feasible, safe, and innovative approach to support gut microbiota development in preterm infants.
Interventions
- Other Rectal irrigation with maternal breast milk
Maternal breast milk will be used for rectal irrigation . Rectal irrigation will be performed starting 48 hours after birth, twice daily for 5 consecutive days at 09:00 and 21:00. A 6 Fr feeding tube, 5 mL syringe, thermostatically controlled water bath (set at 37°C), sterile water-based lubricant, and sterile gloves will be used. The enema volume will be calculated as 5 mL/kg and warmed to 37°C. One end of the feeding tube will be connected to the syringe, and the other end will be gently inser - Other Rectal irrigation with salin
Rectal irrigation will be performed starting 48 hours after birth, twice daily for 5 consecutive days at 09:00 and 21:00. A 6 Fr feeding tube, 5 mL syringe, thermostatically controlled water bath (set at 37°C), sterile water-based lubricant, and sterile gloves will be used. The enema volume will be calculated as 5 mL/kg and warmed to 37°C. One end of the feeding tube will be connected to the syringe, and the other end will be gently inserted into the rectum after lubrication. The solution will b
Primary outcome measures
- Gut microbiota composition in preterm infants [Time frame: 1 year]
Secondary outcome measures (3)
- Time to full enteral feeding [Time frame: 1 year]
- Feeding intolerance [Time frame: 1 year]
- Necrotizing enterocolitis [Time frame: 1 year]
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion criteria
Preterm infants with a gestational age ≤32 weeks and birth weight ≤1500 g
Infants without meconium passage within the first 48 hours of life
Infants whose parents have provided written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
nfants with major congenital anomalies
Infants with gastrointestinal system anomalies
Infants in whom administration of maternal breast milk is contraindicated
Infants whose parents do not provide consent for participation
Infants who die within the first 72 hours of life
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07558499 · PREMIC-2026