Evidence Hub

Probiotic Supplementation to Prevent Diaper Dermatitis in Antibiotic-Treated Neonates: Secondary Analysis of a Randomised Controlled Trial

Mojca Železnik, P. Bratina, A. Valcl, Katja Lozar Manfreda, Evgen Benedik, Tanja Obermajer, B. Bogovič-Matijašić, A. Mahnič et al.

Children, 2026

87 participants · 1 citation

Abstract

Highlights What are the main findings? Supplementation with Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 during and after antibiotic treatment did not reduce the incidence of diaper dermatitis in neonates. Probiotic supplementation did not significantly alter gut microbiota composition or diversity. What are the implications of the main findings? Routine use of Limosilactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 for the prevention of diaper dermatitis in antibiotic-treated neonates is not supported by these findings. Further adequately powered studies are needed to evaluate strategies for the prevention of diaper dermatitis in antibiotic-treated neonates. Abstract Background/Objectives: Diaper dermatitis (DD) is a common dermatological condition that is often exacerbated by antibiotics. Probiotics may restore microbiota balance and influence the incidence of DD. This study aimed to evaluate whether 6 weeks of Limosilactobacillus (L.) reuteri DSM 17938 supplementation during and after antibiotic treatment affects the incidence of DD. Methods: A secondary analysis of a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial that included 89 term neonates treated with antibiotics during the first 3 weeks of life was conducted. Neonates were assigned to receive either a probiotic supplement or a placebo for a total of 6 weeks. DD incidence, onset of DD, and skin care data were collected for 87 infants. Faecal samples were collected 6 weeks after study enrolment to analyse the composition of gut…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a secondary / pooled analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 87 participants or records.

How the five levels of evidence work. The level is assigned automatically from the abstract and can be wrong, so check the paper.

Read the paper

Related studies

Go deeper in Evidence Hub

Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.

Open this study Sign up free