Effect of probiotics on respiratory, gastrointestinal and nutritional outcomes in patients with cystic fibrosis: A systematic review.
BACKGROUND
An increasing body of research investigating the use of probiotics to improve health outcomes in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) prompted the need to systematically assess and summarise the relevant literature.


METHODS
An electronic search of five databases and three trial databases was conducted. Studies describing the administration of probiotics to patients with CF older than 2years, with a comparator group on respiratory, gastrointestinal and nutritional outcomes were included.


RESULTS
Three pre-post studies and six randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria. Overall studies showed a positive effect of probiotics on reducing the number of pulmonary exacerbations and decreasing gastrointestinal inflammation. There was limited effect of probiotics on other outcomes and inadequate evidence for the effects of specific probiotic species and strains.


CONCLUSIONS
The findings suggest that probiotics may improve respiratory and gastrointestinal outcomes in a stable CF clinic population with no reported evidence of harm. There is inadequate evidence at this time to recommend a specific species, strain or dose of probiotic as likely to be of significant benefit.
Dietetics and Human Nutrition, School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, Australia. Electronic address: anderson.jl@latrobe.edu.au.
Jacqueline L
JL
Anderson
Nutrition and Dietetics, Monash Health, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Caitlin
C
Miles
Dietetics and Human Nutrition, School of Allied Health, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Alfred Health, Prahran, Melbourne, Australia.
Audrey C
AC
Tierney
D003550:Cystic Fibrosis / Q000150:complications*; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D019936:Probiotics / Q000145:classification / Q000494:pharmacology; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
Cystic fibrosis; Probiotics; Systematic review