Does probiotic supplementation affect pulmonary exacerbation and intestinal inflammation in cystic fibrosis: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials

Background: Patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) usually have abnormal intestinal microbiota due to massive exposure to antibiotics. Probiotics could modify the gut microbiota and hence may affect CF management. So the aim of present systematic review was evaluation of the efficacy and safety of probiotic supplementation for the management of cystic fibrosis. Data sources: We searched PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Springer Cochrane Library Databases until January 2016 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed in pediatric or adult populations related to the study aim. Key words were selected based on Mesh terms. Based on the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist, eligibility of included articles was evaluated. Results: Five studies included in this review represent 188 participants with a follow up period ranging from 1 month to 6 months. The results of the included studies supporting the use of probiotics in management of pulmonary exacerbation and intestinal calprotectin in patients with cystic fibrosis. However the level of evidence was limited. Conclusion: The lack of high quality RCTs makes it impossible to support a general recommendation about the use of probiotics in the treatment of CF pulmonary exacerbation and intestinal inflammation.