This RCT found no benefit of probiotic LGG in childhood allergy

1. www.pronutritionist.net
Efficacy of probiotic Lactobacillus
GG on allergic sensitization and
asthma in
infants at risk
Rose AM et al.
Clin Exp Allergy 2010;40:1398–1405.
Page 1 Rose AM et al. Clin Exp Allergy 2010;40:1398-1405.

2. Page 2
Background
• Allergic diseases are increasing world-wide
• Recurrent wheezing in infancy can be the first
manifestation of childhood asthma
• Probiotics are speculated to exert beneficial effects in
the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases
• Probiotics have prevented infectious diseases in
some randomized trials
• Data on effects of probiotics on allergic symptoms
such as wheezing or dermititis are conflicting
Rose AM et al. Clin Exp Allergy 2010;40:1398-1405. www.pronutritionist.net

3. Methods
• Prospective double-blind study
• n = 131 infants (6–24 months old)
– with at least two wheezing episodes and a first-
degree family history of atopic disease
• Children were randomly assigned to 6 months
of Lactobacillus rhamnosus (LGG) or placebo
• There was 6-month follow-up after the
intervention
– Atopic dermatitis and asthma-related events (e.g.
need of inhalation, symptom-free days) were
documented throughout the study (12 months)
Page 3 Rose AM et al. Clin Exp Allergy 2010;40:1398-1405. www.pronutritionist.net

4. Results
• There were no significant differences as to atopic dermatitis
or asthma-related events
– in the subgroup sensitized to food allergens, even more inhalative
betamimetics and rescue medications had to be used by LGG group,
and in the subgroup sensitized to aeroallergens the asthma severity
score was higher.
• Study found mild positive effects on allergic sensitization
towards aeroallergens after 6 months of LGG and after 6
months of follow-up
– IgE specific for aeroallergens were significantly lower in the LGG
group
• Supplementation was well-tolerated and no severe adverse
events occurred
Page 4 Rose AM et al. Clin Exp Allergy 2010;40:1398-1405. www.pronutritionist.net

5. Discussion
• In this study, a 6-month probiotic supplementation
with LGG did not have an impact on eczema or
wheezing
• Small subgroup experienced mild positive
immunmodulatory effects
• In this. and some other studies, children in
probiotic group have needed more symptomatic
drug treatment (vs placebo).
• Further studies are needed to investigate long-
term benefits and risks
Page 5 Rose AM et al. Clin Exp Allergy 2010;40:1398-1405. www.pronutritionist.net

6. Discussion
• In this study, a 6-month probiotic supplementation
with LGG did not have an impact on eczema or
wheezing
• Small subgroup experienced mild positive
immunmodulatory effects
• In this. and some other studies, children in
probiotic group have needed more symptomatic
drug treatment (vs placebo).
• Further studies are needed to investigate long-
term benefits and risks
Page 5 Rose AM et al. Clin Exp Allergy 2010;40:1398-1405. www.pronutritionist.net