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Electrophysiological Measurements and Analysis of Nociception in Human Infants
Published on: December 20, 2011
Pilot Analysis of Early Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG for Infant Colic Prevention
Michael D Cabana1,2,3, Michelle McKean1, Amy L Beck1
1Department of Pediatrics.
Insights
This pilot study found that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) supplementation did not prevent infant colic. Early LGG intake showed no significant difference in colic rates compared to a control group.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Microbiome research
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Infant colic is a common condition affecting newborns.
- Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG), are explored for potential health benefits in infants.
- The efficacy of LGG in preventing infant colic requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) supplementation in preventing infant colic.
- To analyze secondary data from a pilot study on LGG and infant health outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A secondary analysis of a pilot study involving 184 infants.
- Infants received daily doses of 10 billion colony-forming units of LGG or a control for the first six months.
- Colic diagnosis was based on parent-reported symptoms or physician diagnosis before four months of age.
Main Results:
- Overall, 18 out of 184 infants (9.8%) were diagnosed with colic.
- No statistically significant differences in colic incidence were observed between the LGG and control groups.
- Colic rates based on symptoms, physician diagnosis, or combined criteria did not differ significantly between groups (P > 0.13).
Conclusions:
- Early infant supplementation with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) does not appear to prevent the development of colic.
- Further research may be needed to explore other probiotic strains or interventions for infant colic.
Abstract:
We conducted a secondary analysis of data from a trial of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) supplementation as a pilot study to assess whether LGG prevents infant colic. For the first 6 months of life, infants received a daily dose of 10 billion colony-forming units of LGG or a control (n = 184). We compared the likelihood of a diagnosis of colic before 4 months of age, based on parent-reported symptoms or a physician diagnosis of colic. Out of the 184 infants, 18 (9.8%) had colic. There were no differences between the 2 groups in the percentage of infants with colic based on symptoms (control 5.4% vs LGG 9.8%; P = 0.19); physician diagnosis (control 3.2% vs LGG 7.6%; P = 0.26); or either symptoms or diagnosis combined (control 6.5% vs LGG 13.0%; P = 0.13). In this pilot study, early infant LGG supplementation does not appear to prevent the later development of colic.
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