[Meta analysis of lactic acid bacteria as probiotics for the primary prevention of infantile eczema].
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether lactic acid bacteria as probiotics is efficacious in the primary prevention of infantile eczema or atopic eczema.


METHODS
For this meta analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) describing the efficacy of probiotics in infants with eczema or atopic eczema at ages of ≤2 years, a comprehensive search in the databases was performed up to January 2010. Three reviewers independently evaluated the studies for methodological qualities. RevMan 5.0.2 software was used for meta analysis.


RESULTS
Twelve RCTs on the preventive effects of lactic acid bacteria as probiotics on infantile eczema were included, and 7 of the 12 RCTs reported the preventive effect of lactic acid bacteria on atopic eczema. The meta analysis showed that there was an overall significant reduction in infantile eczema and atopic eczema favoring lactic acid bacteria compared with placebo. The relative risk (RR) ratios for eczema and atopic eczema were 0.80 (95%CI: 0.70-0.90; P<0.01) and 0.78 (95%CI: 0.64-0.97; P<0.01), respectively. Lactic acid bacteria combined with other probiotics decreased significantly the incidence of eczema, with a RR ratio of 0.79 (95%CI: 0.68-0.93; P<0.01). The use of lactic acid bacteria alone did not result in a reduction in the incidence of eczema, with a RR ratio of 0.85 (95%CI: 0.69-1.05; P>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The data from this meta analysis suggest that lactic acid probiotics combined with other probiotics play a role in the prevention of infantile eczema. There is insufficient evidence to recommend single use of lactic acid bacteria for prevention of eczema. Further studies are required to determine whether the findings are reproducible.
Zhu
Di-Ling
DL
Department of Pediatrics, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
Yang
Wen-Xu
WX
Yang
Hui-Ming
HM
D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007778:Lactobacillus; D017045:Lactococcus; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D048249:Streptococcus thermophilus