Probiotics help critically ill patients

Viable probiotic therapy stimulates the function of the immune system and is helpful in treating critically ill patients in intensive care. Probiotics are dietary supplements containing potentially beneficial bacteria or yeast. Probiotic cultures are recommended by doctors to re-establish the balance of the gut flora after a course of antibiotics or as part of a treatment for a gastrointestinal infection. Investigators from University of Alberta, Edmonton found out that live probiotic bacteria are effective in enhancing immune activity in patients at risk of developing sepsis, suggesting that probiotic preparations may be effective as adjunctive therapy under a variety of clinical conditions. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) is a major cause of mortality in intensive care units. The onset of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome is preceded by a breakdown in the gut's barrier function along with dysfunction of the immune system. The researchers tested whether a probiotic might alter the permeability of the intestine and modulate immune system function and prevent the onset of MODS. The team randomly assigned 28 critically ill medical, surgical or trauma patients to daily treatment with viable probiotics, the equivalent dosage of non-viable probiotic bacteria or placebo. At the end of the 7-day study, patients in the viable probiotic group had significantly greater increases in concentrations of immunoglobulin A and immunoglobulin G, which protect the body against invading bacteria, viruses and other pathogens, than those who received non-viable probiotic bacteria. They also had a greater reduction in intestinal permeability. However, there was no significant reduction in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome score. The researchers suggest that larger studies in patients with a similar disease profile may be required to demonstrate this effect.