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Effect of Lactobacillus GG supplementation on pulmonary exacerbations in patients with cystic fibrosis: a pilot study
Eugenia Bruzzese1, Valeria Raia, Maria Immacolata Spagnuolo
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Naples "Federico II", Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy.
Insights
Lactobacillus GG (LGG) probiotics significantly reduced pulmonary exacerbations and hospital admissions in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). This suggests probiotics may improve respiratory health and indicate a gut-lung connection.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pulmonology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation.
- Probiotics are known to modulate gut inflammation.
- The impact of probiotics on pulmonary health in CF patients is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of Lactobacillus GG (LGG) on pulmonary exacerbations in pediatric CF patients.
- To assess the influence of LGG on hospital admissions, lung function (FEV1), and body weight in CF.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study involving 19 children with CF.
- Participants received either LGG or oral rehydration solution (ORS) for 6 months, followed by a crossover to the alternative treatment.
- Outcomes measured included pulmonary exacerbations, hospital admissions, FEV1, and body weight changes.
Main Results:
- LGG treatment led to a significant reduction in pulmonary exacerbations (median 1 vs. 2, p=0.0035) and hospital admissions (median 0 vs. 1, p=0.001) compared to ORS.
- Patients receiving LGG showed a greater increase in forced expiratory volume (FEV1) (3.6% vs. 0.9%, p=0.02) and body weight (1.5 kg vs. 0.7 kg, p=0.02).
Conclusions:
- Lactobacillus GG supplementation effectively reduces pulmonary exacerbations and hospitalizations in children with cystic fibrosis.
- Probiotic use may help delay respiratory decline in CF patients.
- Findings suggest a link between intestinal health and pulmonary inflammation in CF.
Background & Aims:
Probiotics reduce intestinal inflammation in children with cystic fibrosis (CF). We want to determine the effects of Lactobacillus GG (LGG) on pulmonary exacerbations in CF.
Methods:
A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study was performed. Nineteen children received LGG for 6 months and then shifted to oral rehydration solution (ORS) for 6 months. In parallel nineteen received ORS and then shifted to LGG. Main outcome parameters were: incidence of pulmonary exacerbations and of hospital admissions, forced expiratory volume (FEV1), and modifications of body weight.
Results:
Patients treated with LGG showed a reduction of pulmonary exacerbations (Median 1 vs. 2 , range 4 vs. 4, median difference 1, CI 95% 0.5-1.5; p=0.0035) and of hospital admissions (Median 0 vs. 1, range 3 vs. 2, median difference 1, CI 95% 1.0-1.5; p=0.001) compared to patients treated with ORS. LGG resulted in a greater increase in FEV1 (3.6% +/- 5.2 vs. 0.9% +/- 5; p=0.02) and body weight (1.5 kg +/- 1.8 vs. 0.7 kg +/- 1.8; p=0.02).
Conclusions:
LGG reduces pulmonary exacerbations and hospital admissions in patients with CF. These suggest that probiotics may delay respiratory impairment and that a relationship exists between intestinal and pulmonary inflammation.
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