Role of probiotics in stemming AD

Certain strains of Lactobacilli have been shown to reduce the severity of atopic dermatitis in young children

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A RANDOMISED placebo-controlled trial demonstrated the synergistic effect of probiotic preparation and emollient treatment on young children with atopic dermatitis (AD) and cow milk allergy. This clinical study, conducted by Dr Pavel V. Chernyshov (National Medical University, Kiev, Ukraine) showed a significant effect of the probiotic treatment on AD severity and the use of corticosteroids. Moreover, immunological studies showed an immunomodulating effect of the probiotic, indicating a shift towards immune tolerance in allergic patients. The randomised study involved 58 children under the age of four with atopic dermatitis and cow milk allergy. All children were treated with emollient cream and bath preparation. In addition, 30 children received Lacidofil probiotic preparation (a combination of Lactobacillus Rosell-11 and Lactobacillus Rosell-52 developed by the Institut Rosell-Lallemand of Canada), one capsule per day (equivalent to 2 billion probiotic bacteria), for one month. The other 28 children received a placebo. The extent and severity of AD was evaluated using the SCORAD Index (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis, an international reference for the clinical assessment of AD, defined in 1990). Immunological parameters were also assessed at day 0 and 30. When compared to the placebo group, the probiotic treatment induced: A marked reduction of AD severity (SCORAD index) in 63.3% of children vs. 32.1% (P=0.02) A steroid-sparing effect (10% of children used steroid cream vs. 32% in the placebo group) A significant reduction of AD severity in patients who did not use topical steroid (SCORAD index from 30.6 to 20.9, P>0.01 in probiotic group, no significant difference in the placebo group) A significant decrease of a certain subset of activated T cells, potentially associated with AD An increase of a subtype of antibodies directed against cow milk allergen (IgG4), considered as a marker for immune-tolerance. These results reinforce a precedent study in children from the same team indicating Lacidofil's efficacy in reducing AD severity and improving Quality of Life indices of the young patients and their parents. Dr Chernyshov presented the trial at the Joint International Symposium New Trends in Allergy VII and the 6th Rajka, Symposium on Atopic Dermatitis, in Munich, Germany in July 2010. 揑n our study, more patients treated with Lacidofil achieved satisfactory clinical results with less episodes of the use of topical corticosteroids than those who received placebo. It was shown that the probiotic preparation had a synergistic effect with emollient, reducing AD severity and reinforcing its corticosteroid-sparing effect. The synergistic action of Lacidofil and emollient was also confirmed by immunologic changes that may be considered as a shift to immune tolerance," the investigators of the study concluded. 揈mollients and probiotics have different modes of action and could be combined with each other and with other medications in AD patients. Solutions with potential steroid-sparing effect in AD patients are extremely important," they also said. One in three children with AD will retain the condition in adult life. An estimated 1 in 20 adults has AD. There is no absolutely efficient treatment.(the end)Zip Boots Designer Shoes