Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in the management of infantile colic: A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Infantile colic can manifest as early as 2 weeks of age, with peak crying duration and fussiness typically between 6 and 8 weeks of age, and diminishing between 3 and 4 months of age. Paroxysms of crying and fussy/gassy periods can commence and subside without an obvious trigger or cause, making infantile colic difficult to prevent and treat. Methods: A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted involving 47 breastfed infants aged 15– 120 days, to receive Bifidobacterium breve (n = 23) or placebo (n = 24) for 21 days. Results: In the Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 group compared with infants in the placebo group, total average crying and fussing times throughout the study were significantly shorter among infants with colic (from baseline to day 21). Mean and SD was (23 ± 6 hours) in the L reuteri group vs 35 ± 18 hours in the placebo group (P = .024, relative risk, 0.75; 95% CI, 0.58-0.97). Infants in L reuterigroup showed a significant reduction in daily crying and fussing times at the end of treatment period compared with placebo group (median, 46 minutes/day vs 94 minutes/day ; P = .031). Conclusion: Administration of L reuteri significantly improved colic symptoms by reducing crying and fussing times in breastfed infants with colic compared with placebo group .

Keywords:

L reuteri , infantile , colic