A Differential Effect of Two Probiotics in the Prevention of Eczema and Atopy - Assignment Example

 A Differential Effect of Two Probiotics in the Prevention of Eczema and Atopy Title A Differential Effect of 2 Probiotics in the Prevention of Eczema and Atopy: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial Citation Wickens K, Black P, Stanley T, Mitchell E, Fitzharris P, Tannock G, Purdie G, Crane J. A differential effect of 2 probiotics in the prevention of eczema and atopy: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J. Allergy Clin Immunol 2008 October; 122(4):788-794. Introduction In 1989, Strachan suggested that decreased exposure to infections could explain the increase in allergic disease in Western countries. This is known as the hygiene hypothesis. Since then, investigations have shifted from looking at child care attendance for signs of exposure to infections to looking at direct exposure to microbes and microbial products, such as lactic acid-producing bacteria and endotoxin. These studies have led to human experimental studies investigating the effect of probiotics on the development of allergic disease. The first of these studies was a Finnish study that showed that prenatal and postnatal exposure for 6 months to Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG halved the frequency of eczema at 2, 4 and 7 years but had no effect of atopic sensitization. Kukkonen et al used a combination of 4 probiotics, and this study found a reduction in eczema that was stronger for individuals with atopic eczema. Other studies have found that using probiotics have either had no effect on eczema, or no effect on atopic dermatitis, with one study finding that L acidophilus actually increased atopic sensitization. Objective To test the hypothesis that prenatal and postnatal supplementation with L rhamnosus strain HN001 or Bifidobacerium animalis subsp lactis strain HN019 can reduce the prevalance of eczema and allergy during the first 2 years of life in a population of high-risk New Zealand infants. Study Design 2-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled. Inclusion criteria: pregnant women; either they or the infant’s father had a history of asthma, eczema or hay fever. Exclusion criteria: planning to move from the study center in the next 2 years; already taking probiotic supplements long-term or intended to use these with the child; were unable to continue with study if they delivered before 37 weeks gestation, they had not taken the study capsules for >2 weeks before birth, their infant’s weight was Read More