Title of article :
Effects of Probiotics on Quality of Life in Children with Cystic Fibrosis; A Randomized Controlled Trial
Author/Authors :
Jafari1, Ali Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Mehdizadeh-Hakkak, Atieh Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Kianifar, Hamid-Reza Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Hebrani, Paria Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Ahanchian, Hamid Mashhad University of Medical Sciences , Abbasnejad, Elaheh Mashhad University of Medical Sciences
Abstract :
Objective: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) usually have abnormal intestinal microbiota and dysregulated
immune mediators due to massive exposure to antibiotics. Probiotics as immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory substances are considered to improve both clinical and biochemical intestinal and pulmonary
function in CF patients. We decided to investigate the effects of probiotics on quality of life and pulmonary
exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis.
Methods: In a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial, 37 CF patients (2-12 years old) were
randomly divided into two groups. 20 patients of probiotic group took probiotics (2×109CFU/d) for one
month while 17 patients of control group took placebo capsules. Quality of life was determined using
PedsQLTM4.0 questionnaire at the beginning, then three and six months after completing the treatment period.
Rate of pulmonary exacerbation in probiotic group patients was also evaluated during three months after
intervention and compared to the same three months of the previous year. Results were analyzed using SPSS
(11.5). P<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Findings: Significant improvement was observed in the mean total score of parent reported quality of life
among probiotic group patients in comparison with placebo group at 3rd month (P=0.01), but this was not
significant at 6th month of probiotic treatment. Rate of pulmonary exacerbation was significantly reduced
among probiotic group (P<0.01).
Conclusion: Probiotics are considered as useful nutritional supplements on reducing number of pulmonary
exacerbations and improving quality of life in patients with cystic fibrosis. Effects of probiotics seem to be
temporary and probably continuous ingestion might have more stable improving effects on quality of life.
Keywords :
Cystic Fibrosis , Probiotics , Quality of Life , Pulmonary Exacerbation
Journal title :
Astroparticle Physics