Does synbiotic supplementation affect the quality of life in children with cystic fibrosis? A pilot randomized controlled clinical trial

Background There is no clinical trial that assesses the effect synbiotic supplementation on HRQOL in CF children. Considering the importance of HRQOL as an essential primary outcome and determinant of therapeutic benefit in chronic diseases like cystic fibrosis, the present clinical trial aimed to determine the efficacy of synbiotic supplementation on HRQOL in children with CF. Methods In the present double-blind randomized clinical trial, 40 CF children were randomly allocated to the two groups. The intervention group was supplemented with synbiotics supplements and the patients in the placebo group received maltodextrin for 6 months. Demographic data and information about antibiotic use were recorded using the questionnaire. The health-related quality of life was assessed using the Persian version of quality of life inventory questionnaires. Paired t-test and ANCOVA were used for statistical analysis. Results Totally, 36 participants completed the trial. The mean score of HRQOL was 76.34 +/- 17.33. There were no significant differences between synbiotic and placebo groups regarding baseline demographic and quality of life characteristics. Compared with baseline values, the mean total score and subscores of quality of life did not change significantly after synbiotic and placebo supplementation (p > 0.05). Moreover, the results of ANCOVA showed that there were no significant differences between the two groups regarding the post-trial value of HRQOL total score and subscores. Conclusion According to results, six-month supplementation with synbiotic did not have a significant effect on the HRQOL in children with CF. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and using more disease-specific questionnaires are needed for a more precise conclusion. The protocol of the study was registered at Iranian registry clinical trials (Registration code: IRCT2017011732004N1; Registration date: 2017-02-14).