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Lactobacillus GG in the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children
J A Vanderhoof1, D B Whitney, D L Antonson
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Nebraska, Omaha, USA.
Insights
Lactobacillus GG (LGG) effectively prevents antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children. This probiotic supplement significantly reduced diarrhea incidence and improved gut health during antibiotic treatment for common infections.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Clinical Therapeutics
Background:
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common side effect of antibiotic therapy in children.
- Probiotics are being investigated as a potential strategy to mitigate AAD.
- Lactobacillus casei sps. rhamnosus (Lactobacillus GG) is a well-studied probiotic strain.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Lactobacillus GG (LGG) in preventing AAD in pediatric patients receiving oral antibiotics.
- To assess the impact of LGG on stool frequency and consistency during antibiotic treatment.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted.
- 202 children (6 months–10 years) received either LGG (1x10^10 - 2x10^10 CFU/day) or placebo alongside oral antibiotics.
- Investigators monitored gastrointestinal symptoms via caregiver interviews every 3 days.
Main Results:
- Only 7 out of 188 children receiving LGG experienced diarrhea, compared to 25 in the placebo group.
- LGG significantly reduced stool frequency and improved stool consistency by day 10 of antibiotic therapy.
- The probiotic demonstrated a notable protective effect against AAD.
Conclusions:
- Lactobacillus GG is an effective intervention for reducing the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children.
- LGG supplementation can be a valuable adjunct therapy for pediatric patients undergoing antibiotic treatment for common infections.
- The findings support the use of Lactobacillus GG to manage antibiotic-induced gastrointestinal disturbances in children.
Objective:
The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of Lactobacillus casei sps. rhamnosus (Lactobacillus GG) (LGG) in reducing the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea when coadministered with an oral antibiotic in children with acute infectious disorders.
Study Design:
Two hundred two children between 6 months and 10 years of age were enrolled; 188 completed all phases of the protocol. LGG, 1 x 10(10) - 2 x 10(10) colony forming units per day, or comparable placebo was administered in a double-blind randomized trial to children receiving oral antibiotic therapy in an outpatient setting. The primary caregiver was questioned every 3 days regarding the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms, predominantly stool frequency and consistency, through telephone contact by blinded investigators.
Results:
Twenty-five placebo-treated but only 7 LGG-treated patients had diarrhea as defined by liquid stools numbering 2 or greater per day. Lactobacillus GG overall significantly reduced stool frequency and increased stool consistency during antibiotic therapy by the tenth day compared with the placebo group.
Conclusion:
Lactobacillus GG reduces the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children treated with oral antibiotics for common childhood infections.