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Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation for preventing respiratory infections in children: A Meta-analysis of Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trials

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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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Public Health Microbiology, Department of Public Health Laboratory Technology, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Sichuan, China

    Shan Liu, PengWei Hu, Xiaoxin Du, Tao Zhou & Xiaofang Pei

  2. West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, 16#, Section 3, Renmin Nan Lu, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China

    Xiaofang Pei

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  1. Shan Liu
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  2. PengWei Hu
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  3. Xiaoxin Du
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Correspondence to Xiaofang Pei.

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Liu, S., Hu, P., Du, X. et al. Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplementation for preventing respiratory infections in children: A Meta-analysis of Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trials . Indian Pediatr 50, 377–381 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13312-013-0123-z

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