Probiotics for functional constipation in children: an overview of overlapping systematic reviews

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Gastroenterology
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• Functional constipation (FC) is a common pediatric gastrointestinal issue.
• Probiotics are increasingly explored as a therapeutic option for FC in children.
• Existing evidence synthesis on probiotics for pediatric FC requires critical appraisal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically collate, appraise, and synthesize evidence from systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MAs) on probiotic efficacy for pediatric FC.
• To assess the methodological, reporting, and evidence quality of existing SRs/MAs.
• To identify gaps and inform future research directions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic identification of SRs/MAs of probiotics for FC in children via major databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science).
• Independent assessment of methodological quality using Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR-2).
• Evaluation of reporting quality using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and evidence quality using Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE).

Main Results:

• Seven SRs/MAs met inclusion criteria.
• Included SRs/MAs demonstrated very low methodological quality (AMSTAR-2) and unsatisfactory reporting quality (PRISMA).
• The quality of evidence for probiotic efficacy ranged from very low to moderate (GRADE).

Conclusions:

• Probiotics show potential benefits for improving functional constipation in children.
• Significant limitations and inconsistent findings necessitate further high-quality SRs/MAs.
• Robust evidence is required for definitive conclusions on probiotic use in pediatric FC.