Effect of Infant Formula Containing a Low Dose of the Probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM I-3446 on Immune and Gut Functions in C-Section Delivered Babies: A Pilot Study.

Background: In the absence of breast-feeding and its immunomodulatory factors, supplementation of starter infant formula (IF) with probiotics is currently used to support immune functions and gut development.

Aim: To assess whether immune-related beneficial effects of regular dose (10(7) CFU/g of powder) of the probiotic Bifidobacterium lactis CNCM I-3446 (hereafter named B. lactis) in starter IF supplementation can be maintained with starter IF containing a low dose (10(4) CFU/g of powder) of B.

Optimum mode of delivery in gestations complicated by preterm premature rupture of the membranes.

Objectives: To provide evidence about the preferable mode of delivery, vaginal (VD) or caesarean section (CS), in PPROM.

Methods: A retrospective study of 190 cases. Survival analysis was used to identify statistically significant differences in mortality rates.