Evaluation of the Efficacy of Probiotics in the Treatment of Infantile Colic: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Trial Probiotics in the treatment of infantile colic

摘要

The infantile colic is one of the most common complaints in the infancy; however, limitedtherapeutic approaches are described in the literature. Recently probiotics have been suggested as a potentialstrategy in the treatment of infantile colic. We conducted this study to investigate the efficacy of probiotics inrelieving colic symptoms in Iranian infants. This double-blind clinical trial was performed among 70 infantsaged 3 to 16 weeks with the presumed diagnosis of infantile colic according to Wessel criteria who werebreastfed or formula fed. They were assigned at random to receive Pedilact? (Bifidobacterium infantis,Lactobacillus reuteri, and Lactobacillus rhamnosus) (N=33) or placebo (N=32). Demographic data wererecorded in the questionnaires at the beginning of the study. The number of daily episodes of crying andfussiness, number of weekly crying days, and duration of crying were separately analyzed on 7, 21, and 30thdays of investigation. Baseline demographic data showed no statistically significant difference betweenintervention and placebo groups. Infants given Pedilact? showed a significant reduction in daily episodes ofcrying, duration of crying, and the weekly number of crying days at the end of the treatment period comparedwith those receiving placebo (P=0.000). On 21th day of the study, daily episodes of fuss and crying(P=0.032) and duration of crying reduced significantly in the intervention group in comparison to the placebogroup (P=0.000). Administration of Pedilact? drop significantly improved colic symptoms by reducingcrying and fussing times in breastfed or formula fed in Iranian infants with colic.