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Probiotic Prophylaxis of Nosocomial Pneumonia in Critically Ill Patients

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Diet and Nutrition in Critical Care
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Abstract

Nosocomial pneumonia is common and is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. Some of the beneficial effects of probiotics appear to be associated with improvement in intestinal barrier function, restoration of normal intestinal permeability, modification of the balance of intestinal microbiota, and immunomodulation. Several experimental and clinical studies have suggested a promising effect of probiotics on the prevention of nosocomial pneumonia in critically ill patients. To date, clinical research concerning the effects of probiotics in critically ill patients has provided conflicting results. Large, well-designed, randomized, multicenter trials are needed to confirm the effects of probiotics in diverse populations of critically ill patients.

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Abbreviations

CI:

Confidence intervals

DCs:

Dendritic cells

ICU:

Intensive care unit

MODS:

Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome

MV:

Mechanical ventilation

NA:

Not available

NP:

Nosocomial pneumonia

OR:

Odds ratios

PPM:

Potentially pathogenic microorganisms

RCTs:

Randomized controlled trials

RR:

Relative risk

SDD:

Selective digestive tract decontamination

SOD:

Selective oropharyngeal decontamination

VAP:

Ventilator-associated pneumonia

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Liu, Kx., Qu, Jm., Zhang, J., Lin, Qc. (2014). Probiotic Prophylaxis of Nosocomial Pneumonia in Critically Ill Patients. In: Rajendram, R., Preedy, V., Patel, V. (eds) Diet and Nutrition in Critical Care. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8503-2_153-1

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