The results of this study suggest that probiotics might delay respiratory impairment.

First, the details.

• 19 children received both Lactobacillus GG (LGG) for 6 months and an oral rehydration solution for 6 months in random sequence.
• Neither the patients (caregivers) nor the researchers were told of the treatment.

And, the results with LGG compared to the rehydration solution.

• Patients treated with LGG showed a significant reduction in events associated with a worsening of their pulmonary condition.
• They had significantly fewer admissions to the hospital.
• There was a significant increase in lung function as measured by the forced expiratory volume at 1 second test (FEV1).
• And a significant increase in body weight.

The bottom line?
The authors concluded, “Probiotics may delay respiratory impairment and … a relationship exists between intestinal and pulmonary inflammation.”

These results support earlier findings by the same researchers at the University of Naples in Italy where it was concluded that “Intestinal inflammation is a major feature of cystic fibrosis and is reduced by probiotics. The latter finding suggests that intestinal microflora play a major role in intestinal inflammation in cystic fibrosis children.”

10/3/07 15:30 JR