Synbiotics in treatment of atopic dermatitis

Abstract

Background: The use of pre- and probiotics in the prevention and treatment of Atopic Dermatitis (AD) is not supported by current evidence, however, a recent meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials has shown evidence for the use of multi-strain synbiotics (MSS) in the treatment of AD [1]. Method: The SynAD study is a 12-week randomised placebo-controlled double-blind longitudinal trial that will test the hypothesis that taking MSS is associated with a significant reduction in Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) in food allergic infants and children aged 6 - 36 months compared to placebo. Secondary outcome measures include improved quality of life, reduced use of topical steroids and improved gut microbial diversity and quality. Diet quality and adequacy and growth will also be assessed. Families of potential participants attending allergy clinic at Lady Cilento Children's Hospital (LCCH) in Brisbane with SCORAD >25 and at least one food allergy will be invited to participate. There will be no change to standard care. To detect a 50% reduction in SCORAD with 80% power at 5% significance level each group requires up to 49 participants. Participants will be randomised to receive either MSS or an identical placebo for 12 weeks at Week 0. The following information will be collected at weeks 0 and 12: • Height or length, weight and head circumference • SCORAD • 3-day weighed food diary • Infant's Dermatology Quality of Life Questionnaire (IDQOL) • Faecal sample Further growth data and SCORAD will be collected during a shorter appointment at week 6. Results: Changes in SCORAD from baseline to completion will be compared between the 2 groups using multiple regression with adjustment for gender, age and baseline SCORAD. Conclusion: It is hoped that results from this study will guide clinical practice in this population in the future.L6176141452017-08-07 <br />