Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 19, 2026
Rat Burn Model to Study Full-Thickness Cutaneous Thermal Burn and Infection
Published on: August 23, 2022
Clinical safety and efficacy of probiotic administration following burn injury
Theresa Mayes1, Michele M Gottschlich, Laura E James
1From the *Department of Nutrition, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Cincinnati, Ohio; †Divison of Nutrition Therapy, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Ohio; ‡Department of Research, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Cincinnati, Ohio; §Department of Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Ohio; ‖Department of Nursing, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Cincinnati, Ohio; and ¶Department of Surgery, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Insights
This study found that administering probiotics to pediatric burn patients is safe. Probiotic supplementation may also accelerate wound healing in this population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Burn Care
- Microbiome Research
- Clinical Trial Safety
Background:
- Probiotic use in burn patients is historically limited due to concerns about bacterial translocation and infection risk.
- Pediatric burn populations are particularly vulnerable, necessitating rigorous safety evaluations for any new therapeutic interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the safety and preliminary efficacy of probiotic administration in acutely burned pediatric patients.
- To evaluate clinical outcomes including infection rates, medication use, and overall recovery time.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 20 pediatric burn patients (10 probiotic, 10 placebo).
- Probiotic or placebo was administered twice daily within 10 days of burn injury until wound closure.
- Clinical outcomes were meticulously recorded, and statistical analyses included Student's t-test, chi-squared test, and Wilcoxon's rank-sum test.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in key demographic or burn characteristics between the probiotic and placebo groups.
- Infection days, antibiotic use, constipation, and emesis were similar between groups.
- While flatulence was higher in the probiotic group, controls showed trends toward increased antifungal and laxative use, and diarrhea. Time to wound healing was shorter in the probiotic group.
Conclusions:
- Probiotic supplementation is safe for acutely burned pediatric patients.
- Preliminary data suggest potential benefits in accelerating wound healing, warranting further investigation.
Abstract:
Provision of probiotics has been limited postburn by questionable potential for bacterial translocation and risk of infection in an immune-compromised population. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety of probiotic administration in acutely burned, pediatric patients. Subjects were randomized to receive probiotic (n = 10) vs placebo (n = 10) twice daily. The investigational product was initiated within 10 days of burn, and daily supplementation continued until wound closure. Nursing staff was provided education regarding optimal procedures to minimize potential for study product cross contamination. Clinical outcomes (infection, antibiotic, antifungal, and operative days, tolerance, and mortality) were recorded. Length of stay was modified for burn size. Student's t-test, χ test, and nonparametric Wilcoxon's rank-sum test were used for comparative analysis. No differences were noted (probiotic; placebo) for age (7.1 ± 2.2; 6.9 ± 1.7), burn size (38.0 ± 5.9; 45.5 ± 4.45), full thickness (24.6 ± 5.6; 32.1 ± 5.4), postburn day admit (0.8 ± 0.4; 1.1 ± 0.4), or inhalation injury (10%; 20%). Infection days, antibiotic use, constipation, and emesis were similar between groups. Trends toward increased antifungal and laxative use as well as diarrhea incidence were evident in the controls (P < .30). Flatulence was statistically higher with probiotics. The control group trended toward higher requirement for excision/graft procedure. Medical length of stay was not significantly different between groups; however, time required to complete wound healing was shortened with probiotics. This study documents safety and provides preliminary efficacy data relative to probiotic supplementation postburn.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
01:22Probiotics
01:24Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Sucralfate as Mucosal Protective Agents
In this scenario, mucosal protective agents like sucralfate play an essential role. Sucralfate, a complex of sulfated sucrose and aluminum hydroxide, demonstrates its usefulness in acidic conditions,...
01:19Clinical Applications of Epidermal Stem Cells
01:26Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current...