Probiotic Supplementation Affects Pulmonary Exacerbations in Patients With Cystic Fibrosis: A Pilot Study

Objective: Probiotics reduce intestinal inflammation in, and Lactobacillus GG (LGG) reduces pulmonary exacerbation rate cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. We intended to determine the effect of a mixed probiotic preparation on pulmonary exacerbations and inflammatory characteristics of the sputum in CF patients. Study Design: A prospective pilot study of 10 CF patients with mild moderate lung disease and Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization, treated with probiotics for 6 months. Pulmonary function tests (PFT's), sputum cultures with semi-quantitative bacterial analysis, and sputum neutrophil count and interleukin-8 (IL-8) levels were compared to pretreatment and post-treatment values. The rate of pulmonary exacerbations was compared to 2 years prior to the study. Results: The exacerbation rate was significantly reduced in comparison to the previous 2 years and to 6 months post-treatment (P=0.002). PFT's have not changed at the end of treatment and during 6 months post-treatment. No change in sputum bacteria, neutrophil count, and IL-8 levels was observed. Conclusion: Probiotics reduce pulmonary exacerbations rate in patients with CF Probiotics may have a preventive potential for pulmonary deterioration in CF patients. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2010; 45:536-540. (C) 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.