title: [Role of probiotics in the treatment and prevention of antibiotics-associated diarrhea].
abstract: Probiotics constitute an alternative to prevent or treat antibiotics-associated diarrhea (AAD). According to WHO, probiotics are "live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host". Recent meta-analyses, including adult and pediatric in- and outpatients, outlined the lack of good quality studies and of the lack of evaluation of side-effects. These meta-analyses showed a positive effect of probiotics in AAD, nevertheless without identifying patients who would benefit the most of them. Severe side-effects have been described in immunocompromised patients, those with abnormalities in their intestinal barrier, and those with central venous catheters.
authors.affiliation: Service de pharmacie, Institut central, Hôpital du Valais, Avenue du Grand Champsec 86, 1951 Sion. v.amos-aegerter@hopitalvs.ch
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Amos Aegerter
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Bally
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents