Perspectives from the Society for Pediatric Research: Probiotic use in urinary tract infections, atopic dermatitis, and antibiotic-associated diarrhea: an overview

Probiotics have received significant attention within both the scientific and lay communities for their potential health-promoting properties, including the treatment or prevention of various conditions in children. In this article, we review the published data on use of specific probiotic strains for three common pediatric conditions: the prevention of urinary tract infections and antibiotic-associated diarrhea and the treatment of atopic dermatitis. Research into the utility of specific probiotic strains is of varying quality, and data are often derived from small studies and case series. We discuss the scientific merit of these studies, their overall findings regarding the utility of probiotics for these indications, issues in reporting of methods, and results from these clinical trials, as well as future areas of investigation. Impact: Review of data for commonly encountered diagnoses in the general pediatric population. Highlights gaps in the evidence and provides insight into new avenues of research.

Automated summary

This article reviews the use of specific probiotic strains for common pediatric conditions, highlighting the varying quality of research and the need for further investigation. It discusses the scientific merit of studies, their findings, and areas for future research.