Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Supplementation for Preventing Respiratory Infections in Children: A Meta-analysis of Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trials.
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Date
2013-04
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Abstract
Objective: To systematically review the effectiveness of
administering Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) for preventing
respiratory infections in children.
Design: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.
Data sources: Electronic databases and trial registries.
Results: Four RCTs involving 1805 participants met the inclusion
criteria. Compared with placebo, LGG administration was
associated with a reduced incidence of acute otitis media (four
RCTs, n=1805, RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64-0.91, fixed effects model,
NNT 17, 95% CI 11-46), a reduced risk of upper respiratory
infections (one RCT, n=281, RR 0.62, 95% CI 0.50-0.78, NNT 4,
95% CI 3-8) and antibiotic treatments (four RCTs, n=1805, RR
0.80, 95% CI 0.71-0.91, fixed effects model). There was no
significant difference between the LGG and the control groups in
the risk of overall respiratory infections and the incidence of lower
respiratory infections. However, subgroup analysis of two studies
on children older than 1 year showed significant reduction in the
risk of overall respiratory infections (two RCTs, n=794, RR 0.73,
95% CI 0.57-0.92, random effects model, NNT 8, 95% CI 5-14).
Adverse effects were similar in both groups. No serious adverse
events were reported.
Conclusion: The administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
compared with placebo has the potential to reduce the incidence
of acute otitis media, the upper respiratory infections and
antibiotic use in children.
Description
Keywords
Children, Probiotics, LGG, Prevention, Respiratory infections
Citation
Liu Shan, Hu PengWei, Du Xiaoxin, Zhou Tao, Pei Xiaofang. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG Supplementation for Preventing Respiratory Infections in Children: A Meta-analysis of Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trials. Indian Pediatrics. 2013 April; 50(4): 377-381.