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Lactobacillus rhamnosus Sepsis Associated with Probiotic Therapy in a Term Infant with Congenital Heart Disease

Seda Aydoğan1, Dilek Dilli1, Ahmet Özyazici1

  • 1Department of Neonatology, University of Health Sciences of Turkey, Dr Sami Ulus Maternity and Children Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.

Fetal and Pediatric Pathology
|August 20, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Probiotic use in infants, especially those at risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), can lead to sepsis. This case highlights a rare instance of sepsis from Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in an infant with congenital heart disease.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are the most common birth defects in newborns.
  • Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a significant cause of illness and death in premature infants.
  • Probiotics are explored for their potential to prevent NEC in vulnerable infants.

Observation:

  • A term infant diagnosed with aortic coarctation received probiotic therapy.
  • The infant subsequently developed sepsis attributed to Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG.
  • Treatment with ampicillin was successful in managing the sepsis.

Findings:

  • Probiotic-associated sepsis is a potential risk in infants, particularly those with underlying conditions or risk factors.
  • Risk factors include central catheterization, prolonged mechanical ventilation, and predisposition to NEC.
  • This case underscores a rare complication of probiotic use in an infant with CHD.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should exercise caution when prescribing probiotics to infants with congenital heart defects or other risk factors for sepsis.
  • Awareness of potential probiotic-associated infections is crucial for prompt diagnosis and management.
  • Further research is needed to establish the safety profile of probiotics in high-risk neonatal populations.
Abstract

Keywords:
Congenital heart diseaseLactobacillus rhamnosusprobioticssepsis

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