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Published on: January 27, 2019
Effects of Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in neonates exposed to antibiotics: a randomised controlled trial
J Lozar Krivec1,2, P Bratina3, A Valcl4
1Department of Neonatology, Division of Paediatrics, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 2, Ljubljana, Slovenia.
Abstract:
Perinatal antibiotic exposure potentially leads to gut microbiota dysbiosis, which is associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). We aimed to investigate the effects of Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 supplementation on the development of FGIDs, crying and sleep duration, and the gut microbial composition in infants exposed to antibiotics during the neonatal period. In this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, we included 89 term neonates treated with antibiotics. Neonates received the study product for six weeks. FGIDs, assessed by the Infant Gastrointestinal Symptom Questionnaire, crying and sleep duration were assessed at four and eight weeks, and six months after enrolment. Faecal samples were collected six weeks and twelve months after enrolment. The gut microbial community composition was analysed using 16S amplicon sequencing and qPCR. The proportion of infants with FGIDs was greater in the control group, although the difference between the groups was significant only six months after enrolment. At all time points, the probiotic group presented a longer sleep duration and shorter crying time than the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Probiotic consumption had no significant effect on the gut microbiota composition except for increased L. reuteri DSM 17938 abundance in the probiotic group at six weeks after enrolment. At specific time points after supplementation with L. reuteri DSM 17938, a reduction in the prevalence of FGIDs was observed in the probiotic group. However, no observable effect on the gut microbiota was detected during the intervention. We believe that probiotic supplementation in neonates during and after antibiotic treatment to minimise the negative effects of antibiotics on gut function during this vulnerable period of human development warrants further investigation. The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02865564).
Insights
Neonatal antibiotic exposure can disrupt infant gut health. Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 supplementation showed a trend towards reducing functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and improving infant crying and sleep, though gut microbiota changes were minimal.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Perinatal antibiotic exposure can cause gut dysbiosis, increasing the risk of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in infants.
- The neonatal period is critical for gut microbiota development, making infants vulnerable to antibiotic-induced disruptions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 supplementation on FGIDs, infant crying, sleep duration, and gut microbial composition in neonates exposed to antibiotics.
- To assess the efficacy of probiotic intervention in mitigating negative effects of perinatal antibiotic exposure on infant gut health.
Main Methods:
- A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 89 term neonates treated with antibiotics.
- Infants received either L. reuteri DSM 17938 or placebo for six weeks, with assessments of FGIDs, crying, and sleep at multiple time points.
- Gut microbial composition was analyzed using 16S amplicon sequencing and qPCR.
Main Results:
- A greater proportion of infants in the control group developed FGIDs, with statistical significance observed at six months post-enrolment.
- The probiotic group showed trends towards longer sleep duration and shorter crying times, but these differences were not statistically significant.
- L. reuteri DSM 17938 abundance increased in the probiotic group at six weeks, but overall gut microbiota composition remained largely unaffected by the intervention.
Conclusions:
- L. reuteri DSM 17938 supplementation may help reduce the prevalence of FGIDs in infants exposed to perinatal antibiotics, although its effect on gut microbiota composition during the intervention period was limited.
- Further research is warranted to explore probiotic use in neonates post-antibiotic treatment to support gut function during this crucial developmental stage.
