Prospective, randomized controlled trial on Lactobacillus rhamnosus in infants with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis

Background A reduction of symptoms of atopic dermatitis (AD) in small infants by the administration of Lactobacillus rhamnosus has been reported in a few studies. One study with older children and adolescents failed to show any effect. Objectives We conducted a prospective study to reassess the efficacy of orally administered L. rhamnosus strain GG (LGG) in infants with AD. Methods In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 54 infants aged 1-55 months with moderate to severe AD were randomized to daily 10 x 10(9) colony-forming units of LGG or to placebo during an 8-week intervention phase. Emollients, class I-II topical corticosteroids and antihistamines were permitted. Results The treatment with LGG was well tolerated. At the end of treatment there were no significant differences between the groups with respect to clinical symptoms (SCORAD, pruritus, sleep loss), the use of topical corticosteroids and antihistamines, immunological parameters, or health-related quality of life of the parents. Conclusions Our results could not confirm LGG as an effective treatment of AD in infancy.