ISRCTN Register: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00200954
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The effects of selected probiotic strains on the development of eczema (the PandA study)
Article first published online: 9 APR 2009
DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02021.x
© 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S
Additional Information
How to Cite
Niers, L., Martín, R., Rijkers, G., Sengers, F., Timmerman, H., Van Uden, N., Smidt, H., Kimpen, J. and Hoekstra, M. (2009), The effects of selected probiotic strains on the development of eczema (the PandA study). Allergy, 64: 1349–1358. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2009.02021.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 14 SEP 2009
- Article first published online: 9 APR 2009
- Accepted for publication 3 February 2009
Keywords:
- children;
- eczema;
- intestinal microbiota;
- multispecies probiotics;
- primary prevention;
- sensitization
Background: Modification of the intestinal microbiota by administration of probiotic bacteria may be a potential approach to prevent allergic disease. We aimed to study primary prevention of allergic disease in high-risk children by pre- and postnatal supplementation of selected probiotic bacteria.
Methods: In a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, a mixture of probiotic bacteria selected by in-vitro experiments (Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, and Lactococcus lactis; Ecologic® Panda) was prenatally administered to mothers of high-risk children (i.e. positive family history of allergic disease) and to their offspring for the first 12 months of life.
Results: Parental-reported eczema during the first 3 months of life was significantly lower in the intervention group compared with placebo, 6/50 vs 15/52 (P = 0.035). After 3 months, the incidence of eczema was similar in both groups. Cumulative incidence of parental-reported eczema at 1 and 2 years was 23/50 (intervention) vs 31/48 (placebo) and 27 (intervention) vs 34 (placebo), respectively. The number needed to treat was 5.9 at age 3 and 12 months and 6.7 at age 2 years. The intervention group was significantly more frequently colonized with higher numbers of Lc. lactis. Furthermore, at age 3 months, in vitro production of IL-5 (146 pg/ml vs 72 pg/ml; P = 0.04) was decreased in the probiotic-group compared with the placebo-group.
Conclusions: This particular combination of probiotic bacteria shows a preventive effect on the incidence of eczema in high-risk children, which seems to be sustained during the first 2 years of life. In addition to previous studies, the preventive effect appears to be established within the first 3 months of life.
