A Systematic Review of the Effects of Probiotics and Synbiotics on Infection Incidence after Liver Transplant Surgery.

2025-04-30
Preventive nutrition and food science 30(2)

PubMed: 40352302
DOI: 10.3746/pnf.2025.30.2.101

Study Design

Type: Systematic Review
Population: liver transplant recipients
Methods: A systematic search was performed to identify studies that investigated the role of probiotics and synbiotics in reducing postoperative infection rates in liver transplant recipients. Eight studies that qualified were included in the review.

Among organ transplant operations, liver transplantation (LTX) has one of the highest risks of postoperative infection. This study aimed to systematically review the current evidence on the use of probiotics and synbiotics in reducing the incidence of postoperative infections in liver transplant recipients. A systematic search was performed to identify studies that investigated the role of probiotics and synbiotics in reducing postoperative infection rates in liver transplant recipients. Eight studies that qualified were included in the review. The results showed that probiotics and synbiotics effectively reduced the overall infection rates in liver transplant patients compared with the placebo or control groups. This positive effect might be attributed to improved intestinal barrier function, gut microbiota restoration, and decreased inflammation. Furthermore, probiotic treatment was associated with shorter durations of antibiotic use and hospital stays. The use of probiotics and synbiotics after LTX holds promise in decreasing postoperative infections and providing substantial advantages for patients. Probiotics have been shown to boost the levels of beneficial bacterial, decrease inflammation, fortify the intestinal barrier, lessen oxidative stress, and improve the generation of anti-inflammatory short-chain fatty acids. However, more extensive research is needed to identify the most effective probiotic strains and evaluate their effectiveness in this specific patient demographic.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus brevis Lbr-35	—	Reduced Duration of Antibiotic Usage	Beneficial	Small	View source Furthermore, probiotic treatment was associated with shorter durations of antibiotic use and hospital stays.
Lactobacillus brevis Lbr-35	—	Reduced Length of Hospital Stay	Beneficial	Small	View source Furthermore, probiotic treatment was associated with shorter durations of antibiotic use and hospital stays.
Lactobacillus brevis Lbr-35	—	Reduced Postoperative Infectious Complications	Beneficial	Moderate	View source The results showed that probiotics and synbiotics effectively reduced the overall infection rates in liver transplant patients compared with the placebo or control groups.