Systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of probiotic supplementation on functional constipation in children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Microbiome Research
• Clinical Nutrition

Background:

• Functional constipation is a common pediatric gastrointestinal disorder.
• Current treatments for functional constipation have varying efficacy and potential side effects.
• The role of gut microbiota modulation through probiotics is an area of interest for pediatric functional constipation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of probiotic supplementation in managing functional constipation in children.
• To assess the impact of probiotics on various clinical outcomes and symptom indices in pediatric functional constipation.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
• Electronic database searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library.
• Data from 4 trials involving 382 children were analyzed using random-effects models.

Main Results:

• Probiotic supplementation showed no significant difference in treatment success, spontaneous bowel movements, or fecal soiling compared to placebo.
• No significant differences were observed in straining, use of lactulose or laxatives, fecal incontinence, pain during defecation, flatulence, or adverse events.
• Probiotics were associated with a significant reduction in the frequency of glycerin enema use and abdominal pain.

Conclusions:

• Probiotic supplementation may offer benefits for specific symptoms like abdominal pain and reduced reliance on glycerin enemas in children with functional constipation.
• Overall treatment success and other functional indices were not significantly improved by probiotic use.
• Further research may be needed to identify specific probiotic strains or combinations effective for pediatric functional constipation.