Probiotics for the Prevention of Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhea in Adults
Goldenberg JZ, Yap C, Lytvyn L, Lo CK, Beardsley J, Mertz D, Johnston BC
Published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Abstract
Cochrane systematic review demonstrating moderate certainty evidence that probiotics reduce the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.
Methodology
Cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials comparing probiotics with placebo or no treatment for prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in adults; GRADE certainty assessment applied.
Key Findings
Pooled analysis of 33 trials in 6,352 adults found probiotics reduced the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhoea from roughly 18% to 8% (moderate certainty). Benefit was clearest at higher doses and when probiotics were started close to the first antibiotic dose. Adverse events were no more common with probiotics than control.
Conclusions
Moderate-certainty evidence supports probiotics as an effective, well-tolerated preventive measure for antibiotic-associated diarrhoea in adults, though the optimal strain and dose remain undefined.
Limitations
Substantial heterogeneity in strains, doses and definitions of diarrhoea; many trials small and at unclear risk of bias; findings cannot be generalised to a specific commercial product; limited data in immunocompromised or critically ill patients.
Supplements Studied
Probiotics are effective for preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.
Probiotics are effective for preventing antibiotic-associated diarrhoea.
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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