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Lactobacillus reuteri to Treat Infant Colic: A Meta-analysis

  • 2018-01-01
  • Pediatrics 141(1)
    • V. Sung
    • F. D'Amico
    • M. Cabana
    • Kim Chau
    • G. Koren
    • F. Savino
    • H. Szajewska
    • G. Deshpande
    • C. Dupont
    • F. Indrio
    • S. Mentula
    • Anna Partty
    • D. Tancredi

Abstract

Context: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 has shown promise in managing colic, but conflicting study results have prevented a consensus on whether it is truly effective.

Objective: Through an individual participant data meta-analysis, we sought to definitively determine if L reuteri DSM17938 effectively reduces crying and/or fussing time in infants with colic and whether effects vary by feeding type.

Data sources: We searched online databases (PubMed, Medline, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects, and Cochrane), e-abstracts, and clinical trial registries.

Study selection: These were double-blind randomized controlled trials (published by June 2017) of L reuteri DSM17398 versus a placebo, delivered orally to infants with colic, with outcomes of infant crying and/or fussing duration and treatment success at 21 days.

Data extraction: We collected individual participant raw data from included studies modeled simultaneously in multilevel generalized linear mixed-effects regression models.

Results: Four double-blind trials involving 345 infants with colic (174 probiotic and 171 placebo) were included. The probiotic group averaged less crying and/or fussing time than the placebo group at all time points (day 21 adjusted mean difference in change from baseline [minutes] -25.4 [95% confidence interval (CI): -47.3 to -3.5]). The probiotic group was almost twice as likely as the placebo group to experience treatment success at all time points (day 21 adjusted incidence ratio 1.7 [95% CI: 1.4 to 2.2]). Intervention effects were dramatic in breastfed infants (number needed to treat for day 21 success 2.6 [95% CI: 2.0 to 3.6]) but were insignificant in formula-fed infants.

Limitations: There were insufficient data to make conclusions for formula-fed infants with colic.

Conclusions: L reuteri DSM17938 is effective and can be recommended for breastfed infants with colic. Its role in formula-fed infants with colic needs further research.

Research Insights

SupplementHealth OutcomeEffect TypeEffect Size
Lactobacillus reuteriImproved Treatment Success in Infants with ColicBeneficial
Moderate
Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 5289Effectiveness in Breastfed InfantsBeneficial
Large
Lactobacillus reuteri ATCC PTA 5289Improved Treatment SuccessBeneficial
Large
Lactobacillus reuteri HA-188Overall Treatment SuccessBeneficial
Moderate
Lactobacillus reuteri HA-188Reduced Crying TimeBeneficial
Moderate
Lactobacillus reuteri HA-188Successful Treatment in Breastfed InfantsBeneficial
Large
Lactobacillus reuteri LRE02Improved Colic SymptomsBeneficial
Large
Lactobacillus reuteri LRE02Improved Treatment Success for ColicBeneficial
Large
Lactobacillus reuteri MAK02L14RImproved Treatment SuccessBeneficial
Large
Lactobacillus reuteri NCIMB 30242Improved Treatment SuccessBeneficial
Large
Lactobacillus reuteri OsfortisImproved Health in Breastfed InfantsBeneficial
Large
Lactobacillus reuteri OsfortisIncreased Treatment Success for Infant ColicBeneficial
Moderate
Lactobacillus reuteri OsfortisReduced Efficacy of Formula Feeding in InfantsNeutral
Small
Lactobacillus reuteri SD-5865Improved Health in Breastfed InfantsBeneficial
Large
Lactobacillus reuteri SD-5865Improved Treatment SuccessBeneficial
Large
Lactobacillus reuteri UALg-05Increased Treatment Success for Infant ColicBeneficial
Moderate
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