Probiotics for infantile colic

Abstract

Background: The prevalence of infant colic is high and it has a significant impact on the live of the infants and their families, given that effective treatment has not been found. Objective: The aim of this study to evaluate the effects of pedilact probiotic drops for the treatment of infants colic in children. Methods: This study was carried out on 72 infants, presented with infantile colic who were admitted to the Tehran children Medical Center. These children were assigned randomly (using 2 blindedrandomized trial) into two equal groups named PRR (Probiotic receiving) and PCR (Placebo receiving) groups. The demographic information of the infants such as age and sex, maternal age, patient admission time and confounding factors such as passive smoker, family history of atopy, antibiotic use, and delivery type was recorded in both groups based on the statements provided by the mothers. The weight of the infants was also recorded. Results: There was no significant difference in the distribution of infant's sex, mother's age, type of labor, type of nutrition, quality of life and exposure to smoke between the two groups. The weight of the newborns increased in each of the two groups and there was a significant increase in the PRR group (p value < 0.0001), while in the PCR group no significant growth was observed (p value ¼ 0.437). The frequency of crying in both groups decreased over the time, which was significant in PRR group only (p value < 0.001). There were no significant difference between PRR and PCR groups in fecal consistency and pattern of sleep on each day of 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 (28 days p value ¼ 0.475 and 0.086, respectively).

Effectiveness of probiotics for the treatment of infantile colic

“…INFANTILE COLIC is a benign, self-limiting condition and is a common problem during early childhood, affecting approximately 20% of all infants worldwide. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] Symptoms peak around the sixth week of age, with symptoms ceasing naturally after 4-6 months of age. 2,4,[6][7][8][9][10]12,13 According to Rome IV criteria, the diagnosis of infantile colic requires all of the following: infant under five months of age when the symptoms start and stop; periods of recurrent and/or prolonged crying, agitation and irritability reported by caregivers, which occur without any obvious cause and cannot be prevented or resolved by caregivers; and absence of infantile failure to thrive, fever or illness.…”

“…The possibility that infantile colic occurs because of changes in gut microbiota leads to curiosity about the efficacy of probiotics. 1,2,[4][5][6][8][9][10][11][12]14,15 The inability to calm a child's cry can be stressful for a caregiver who believes they are failing to provide adequate care, resulting in frustration, depression, deterioration or postponement of the establishment of the caregiver-child relationship and, in the worst-case scenario, child abuse. Caregivers of infants with colic often turn to healthcare professionals for help.…”

“…As an approach to colic, it is important that the general practitioner tries to relieve symptoms to reduce the impact on the family dynamics and the future relationship of the caregiver or parents with the child. 1,2,4,[6][7][8][9]13,14…”

“…Changes in the intestinal microbiota can lead to the appearance of intestinal symptoms (abdominal pain, bloating and flatulence). [2][3][4][5]8,[10][11][12]14 Studies have reported that children with colic have higher levels of proteobacteria (Escherichia coli) and lower levels of Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp.…”

“…16 One study reported the ability of L. reuteri to inhibit the growth of glycogenic forms of gas in the intestine. 14 Some studies observed a reduction of faecal calprotectin (an intestinal marker of inflammation) with L. reuteri DSM 17938. 4,6 There are several randomised controlled trials (RCTs) purporting to the use of L. reuteri DSM 17938 as a treatment for infantile colic (Appendix 1, available online only).…”