Abstract

MARQUES, Ana Borges dos Santos  and  VIEIRA, Cecília Fernandes. Probiotics in the Prevention of Acute Otitis Media in Pediatrics: An Evidence-Based Review. Gaz Med [online]. 2024, vol.11, n.1, pp.21-27.  Epub Mar 28, 2024. ISSN 2183-8135.  https://doi.org/10.29315/gm.v1i1.729.

Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common disease in children and a leading cause of antibiotic prescription, representing a significant socioeconomic burden. Probiotics have revealed beneficial results in other infections with a good safety profile. This review aimed to assess the effects of probiotics in preventing the occurrence of AOM at pediatric age and reducing its impact. For this purpose, a literature search was conducted in evidence-based medicine databases. One meta-analysis and two clinical trials were included in this review. Evidence suggests that the administration of probiotics is effective in preventing AOM, with a good safety profile. However, the studies were heterogeneous and showed inconsistent results. Therefore, the strength of recommendation was classified as B using the SORT scale. Studies with larger sample sizes, longer durations, and better quality are needed to determine the optimal strain, duration, frequency, and timing of probiotic administration.

Keywords : Child; Otitis Media; Probiotics.

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