Effect of a synbiotic mixture on atopic dermatitis in children: A randomized-controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic relapsing skin disease seen in infancy and childhood. The intestinal microbiota plays an important role in immune development and may play a role in the development of allergic disorders. Manipulation of the intestinal microbiota by synbiotics may therefore offer an approach to the prevention or treatment of allergic diseases.

Objective: We studied the clinical and immunologic effects of a new symbiotic(a mixture of seven probiotic strains of bacteria and Fructooligosaccharide) in infants and children with AD.

Method: In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 40 infants and children aged 3months to 6 years with AD received either a synbiotic or placebo for 8 weeks. The Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) index was recorded at baseline and also at 4 and 8 weeks of treatment..

Results: The synbiotic group showed a significantly greater reduction in SCORAD than did the placebo group (P= 0.001).No specific effect was demonstrated of the probiotics employed on cytokine profile.

Conclusion: This study provides evidence that a mixture of seven strains of probiotics and Fructooligosaccharide can clinically improve the severity of AD in young children. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects on underlying immune responses and the potential long term benefits for patients with AD.

Keywords: Atopic Dermatitis, synbiotic, Cytokine, Children