Probiotic Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG therapy and microbiological programming in infantile colic: a randomized, controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Gastroenterology
• Microbiology

Background:

• Infant colic is a common issue, with probiotics like Lactobacillus reuteri and allergen reduction showing potential benefits.
• The specific role of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in managing infant colic remains unclear.
• Existing research has not definitively established LGG's efficacy in colic treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) as an intervention for infant colic.
• To assess LGG's impact on daily crying duration in colicky infants.
• To compare LGG's effect against a placebo when combined with behavioral support and dietary interventions.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, double-blind study involved 30 infants with colic during their first 6 weeks of life.
• Participants received behavioral support and an allergen avoidance diet (cow's milk elimination for breastfeeding mothers, hydrolyzed formula for others).
• Infants were given either LGG (4.5 × 10^9 cfu/d) or a placebo for 4 weeks, with crying monitored via diaries and interviews.

Main Results:

• Parental diaries showed no significant difference in daily crying time between the LGG group (173 min) and the placebo group (174 min; P = 0.99).
• However, parents in the LGG group reported a greater percentage decrease in crying (68%) compared to the placebo group (49%; P = 0.05).
• Fecal calprotectin and gut microbiota were assessed but not detailed in the abstract's results.

Conclusions:

• Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) did not offer additional benefits for objectively measured colic crying when used with behavioral support and a cow's milk elimination diet.
• Parental perception of crying reduction suggested a possible benefit of LGG, contrasting with objective diary data.
• Further research may be needed to clarify LGG's role and potential benefits in infant colic management.