Probiotics to Prevent Pseudomonas Infections in ICU Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Christiane Forestier, Guelon Dominique, Cluytens Valérie, Gillart Thierry, Sirot Jacques, De Champs Christophe
Primary Institution: Université de Clermont 1 UFR Pharmacie
Hypothesis
An indigenous flora should exhibit a protective effect against secondary colonization.
Conclusion
Oral administration of a probiotic delayed respiratory tract colonization/infection by P. aeruginosa.
Supporting Evidence
- The probiotic group had a median delay to P. aeruginosa acquisition of 50 days compared to 11 days in the placebo group.
- Only 2.9% of patients in the probiotic group developed ventilator-associated pneumonia compared to 7.5% in the placebo group.
- Probiotic treatment increased the nonacquisition expectancy mean to 77 days.
Takeaway
Giving sick patients probiotics can help keep bad germs away from their lungs for longer.
Methodology
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study in ICU patients receiving either probiotics or placebo.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the non-randomized nature of patient selection and exclusion criteria.
Limitations
The study was a pilot with a small sample size and conducted in a single ICU.
Participant Demographics
Patients aged 18 years or older, with a mean age of 57 years, mostly male.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.1 to 9.1
Statistical Significance
p=0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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