Prebiotics and sepsis in infants: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Adv Clin Exp Med. 2024 Sep;33(9):999-1005. doi: 10.17219/acem/174307.

Abstract

Background: Sepsis is a critical situation, and its treatment and reduction are important clinical issues. Antibiotics are a routine treatment option, but their adverse effects are a concern in pediatric patients, especially infants. Prebiotics might be an alternative option.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide an updated systemic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the use of prebiotics for sepsis in infants, which could assist clinicians in deciding whether to use this treatment.

Methods: The study included RCTs related to prebiotics and sepsis in infants. A random effects model and the odds ratio (OR) were applied to estimate the effect of prebiotic use and the incidence of sepsis in infants. The analysis included 16 studies with a total of 6,438 infants. The primary outcome was the OR of sepsis for infants who received prebiotics.

Results: The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that the pooled OR of sepsis was significantly lower for infants who used prebiotics. However, the results indicated a medium level of heterogeneity.

Conclusion: The results showed that the use of prebiotics might be associated with a reduction of sepsis in infants. The standardized application of this treatment might be an intriguing topic for future clinical research.

Keywords: infant; meta-analysis; odds ratio; prebiotic; sepsis.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Prebiotics* / administration & dosage
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Sepsis* / epidemiology
  • Sepsis* / prevention & control

Substances

  • Prebiotics