A randomized trial of Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP133 for the treatment of atopic dermatitis

Background There have been considerable disagreements regarding the therapeutic effects of probiotics in atopic dermatitis (AD). We performed this study to examine whether the oral administration of Lactobacillus plantarum CJLP133 improves pediatric AD. Methods In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, either L. plantarum CJLP133 at a dosage of 0.5 x 10(10) colony-forming units or placebo in children aged 12 months to 13 yr was given twice a day for 12 wk. SCOring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) scores, eosinophil counts, serum total IgE, and cytokines were evaluated. Results Forty-four of 58 patients in the probiotic group and 39 of 60 patients in the placebo group completed the study. The SCORAD score at week 14 was lower in the probiotic group than in the placebo group (p = 0.044). The mean change in the SCORAD score from weeks 2 to 14 was 9.1 in the probiotic group, which was greater than the mean change of 1.8 in the placebo group (p = 0.004). No statistical differences in the total use of topical corticosteroids were found between two groups (p = 0.815). In the probiotic group, the total eosinophil count was significantly lower at the end of the intervention compared to the baseline measurements (p = 0.023). Logarithmic IFN-gamma and IL-4 were significantly decreased by the end of the intervention compared to baseline measurements in the probiotic group (p < 0.001 and 0.049). Conclusions Our results suggest that supplementation with probiotic L. plantarum CJLP133 is beneficial in the treatment of pediatric AD.