1678 Treatment of Infantile Colic with Lactobacillus Reuteri and the Relationship with Postpartum Depression: A Randomized Controlled Trial Study

Abstract

Background and Aim Infantile colic (IC) is a common behavioural syndrome within the first 3 months of life. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of Lactobacillus reuteri (L.reuteri) and herbal drop combined with baby massage on IC and to evaluate the relationship with postpartum depression and anxiety. Methods Wessel Criteria were used for the diagnosis of IC in otherwise healty newborns. Patients were randomized into three groups: Group-1: L. Reuteri DSM17938 (BioGaia AB, Stockholm, Sweden), Group-2: Herbal drop (Babs, BerkoAB, Istanbul, Turkey), Group-3: Sterile water. All groups had baby massage. Infants crying episodes, feeding and stooling characteristics, growth, weight gain were noted weekly. Emotional structures of mother's behaviour were evaluated before and at 2nd month with Edinburgh postpartum depression scale (EPDS) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) tests. Results Seventy-four infants and their mothers completed the trial: 25 in the probiotic group, 24 in herbal drop, and 25 in placebo group. There was no difference between groups in demographic and clinical characteristics. The male rate was 62.2% (n=46). Crying times(minutes/day) at admission were similar (Group1: 348+37, Group2: 353+30, Group3: 346+28, p=0.67). A significant decrease in crying times were seen at 3.week in group1 (Group1: 35+9.8, Group2: 300+32.2, Group3: 188+40, p=0.001). The weight gain at this time was in group1 better, too (p =0.001). High EPDS and STAI scores decreased significantly after treatment in group1 at 2 month (p= 0.001). No adverse effects were reported in our groups. Conclusion The emotional structure and anxiety level of mothers affects the behaviour of infants. L. reuteri, reduced the crying episodes, mothers anxiety and postpartum depression and can be used in treatment of infantile colic.