OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine the efficacy of probiotics as adjunct therapy for patients (2 months - 4 years old ) with moderate risk community acquired pneumonia.
METHODS: the study population consisted of 77 children, 2 months - 4 years old with no Hib vaccination, no previous intake of antimicrobials, no contraindications to feed within the first 24 hours upon admission and with informed consent. Participants were randomized to given Ampicillin (100 mkd), supplemented with probiotics (1 sachet for 7 days) while the control group was given Ampicillin and a placebo. Patients with co - morbidities (i.e. cardiac problems, malnutrition etc.), and those with previous intake of antimicrobials were excluded. Both groups were compared based on the following: cardiac rate, respiratory rate, temperature, presence or absence of chest retractions and length of hospital stay. The physicians and patients were blinded as to
RESULTS: For subjects < 1 year old in the probiotics group, cardiac rates normalized at day 2. In the placebo group, fluctuating cardiac rates were noted although this difference was statistically significant. Among >1 year olds, normal cardiac rate was reached on days 4 and 5 in the probiotics group and this was not reached in the placebo group. The respiratory rate normalized in both groups starting day 1 for those < 1 year old. Respiratory rates in the probiotics group were also noted to be lower than placebo group. Among >1 year old, normal respiratory rate was reached on day 2 for both groups. The respiratory rates of the probiotics group were lower than the placebo group but this was not statistically significant. The decline between the two groups was not significantly different. Presence of chest retractions was lower in the probiotics group as compared to the placebo group by day 4. Both groups had an average length of hospital stay of 3 days.
CONCLUSION: The results of the study suggest that probiotics may possibly be helpful as an adjunctive therapy for patients, 2 months to 4 years old, with moderate risk community acquired pneumonia. **** 1st Place PIDSP Research Contest 2014