[Effect of probiotics on the dynamics of gastrointestinal symptoms of food allergy to cow's milk protein in infants].

The problem of food allergy to cow's milk protein in children is highly important. The aim of this study was to estimate the effect of Bifidobacterium lactis BB-12 (1х109 CFU) and Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4 (1х108 CFU) administration on gastrointestinal symptoms of cow's milk allergy in infants. We conducted an open randomized prospective clinical study. 60 infants aged of 3-12 months with the diagnosis of atopic dermatitis and allergy to cow's milk protein were enrolled. Children were divided into 2 groups, one of which received probiotics during 4 weeks. Results were estimated after 4 and 8 weeks of study. We found significant impact on reducing the frequency of constipation in infants who received the probiotics in complex treatment. After 4 weeks of treatment constipation was absent in 85.71% infants who received probiotics as compared to 48.15% in the control group (р=0.02), after 8 weeks the same numbers were 92.86% vs. 62.96% accordingly (p=0.04). Significant differences between the groups were also determined by the incidences of infantile colic through 4 and 8 weeks and on diarrhea through 8 weeks of studies. It is possible to draw a conclusion that administration of probiotics in addition to elimination diet and base treatment to infants with atopic dermatitis and cow's milk allergy improves clinical symptoms of the disease and decreases gastrointestinal clinical manifestations of cow's milk allergy.