Probiotic E.faecalis - Adjuvant therapy in children with recurrent rhinosinusitis

Abstract

Sinusitis is a frequent complication of respiratory tract infections. Probiotics are perceived to be useful in infections, allergies, and infammations. Our prospective trial stratifed 204 children with recurrent rhinosinusitis by age (2-11 years, 54m:64f; 12-18 years, 39m:47f) and assigned them to standard treatment (antibiotics, anticongestants) or additional 60 days Symbiofor-1 (SF1; Enterococcus faecalis 1.5-4.5x10 7 CFU). The number of sinusitis episodes was lower in SF1-treated patients (2.52±0.91) than among controls (3.27±1.36; p=0.01). Mean duration of the frst sinusitis episode was 11.9±8.6 days with SF1, whereas it was 16.1±12.9 days in the younger controls (p=0.023) and 9.86±5.05 days in the elder controls (n.s.). Duration of subsequent sinusitis episodes was also shorter in SF1 patients (15.2±13.6 days) compared with controls (22.7±14.8 days; p=0.030). No adverse events were observed. Probiotic Enterococcus faecalis adjuvant to conventional therapy can reduce the number and duration of rhinosinusitis episodes in children and adolescents. © Versita Sp. z o.o.