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Lactobacillus GG treatment during pregnancy for the prevention of eczema: a randomized controlled trial

R J Boyle1, I H Ismail, S Kivivuori

  • 1Allergy and Immune Disorders, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia.

Allergy
|December 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Prenatal probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG did not prevent eczema in infants. Further research into postnatal probiotic use or alternative strains is needed for eczema prevention.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Early-life probiotic supplementation shows promise for eczema prevention.
  • Prenatal probiotic administration is hypothesized to be particularly effective.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate if prenatal treatment with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) impacts infant eczema risk.
  • To assess the influence of prenatal LGG on allergic sensitization and immune markers.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 250 pregnant women receiving LGG or placebo from 36 weeks gestation.
  • Infant eczema and sensitization were monitored during the first year.
  • Immunological assessments included cord blood cytokine profiles and breast milk immune factors.

Main Results:

  • Prenatal LGG did not significantly reduce the risk of eczema or IgE-associated eczema.
  • No significant changes were observed in cord blood immune markers.
  • A decrease in breast milk soluble CD14 and IgA levels was noted with prenatal probiotic treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Prenatal Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation alone is insufficient for preventing infant eczema.
  • Effective probiotic strategies for eczema prevention may require postnatal administration or different bacterial strains.
Abstract

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