Effects of probiotics in elderly hospitalized tube-fed patients with antibiotics use

Background: Several studies revealed the beneficial effects of probiotics against the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea of hospitalized patients but it is rarely to assess the nutrition status. This study investigated the effects of probiotics in elderly hospitalized tube-fed patients with antibiotics use and is the first study that concerns the nutritional status among these patients.

Methods: Elderly hospitalized tube-fed patients who were using antibiotics were recruited. Probiotics were given within 48 h after their first antibiotic therapy, and then twice daily 2 h after consuming antibiotics and a meal; the probiotics were continued to use for an additional 7 days after completion of antibiotics therapy. Anthropometric data, laboratory data, medication records, nutritional status, nutrition intake and data on stool form were collected.

Results: Twenty-nine patients served as probiotic group. 11 patients completed the study in both groups. In probiotic group, the stool form was found to exhibit no significant differences between the beginning and end of antibiotics therapy (5.5 ± 0.8 vs 5.1 ± 1.1, p = 0.21), but the stool frequency significantly decreased (2.0 ± 1.0 vs 1.6 ± 0.7, p = 0.05). In control group, the stool form between the beginning and end of antibiotics therapy exhibited significant improvement (5.6 ± 1.4 vs 4.5 ± 1.4, p = 0.01), but not in the frequency (2.7 ± 2.1 vs 2.4 ± 1.5, p = 0.1). The initial NRS 2002 score of the probiotic and control groups were similar. (3.6 ± 1.7 vs 3.7 ± 1.8, p = 1.00), and their nutrition status both significantly improved during the last visit before discharged (2.6 ± 0.9 vs 2.9 ± 1.3).

Conclusion: Probiotic supplementation in elderly hospitalized tube-fed patients significantly reduced stool frequency during antibiotic treatment. Improvements in stool form were observed only during the follow-up period. Nutritional status remained stable, with patients' nutritional needs adequately met throughout the study.