Biasucci Giacomo, Capra Maria Elena, Giudice Antonella, Monopoli Delia, Stanyevic Brigida, Rotondo Roberta, Mucci Alessandro, Neglia Cosimo, Campana Beatrice, Esposito Susanna
Pediatrics and Neonatology Unit, Guglielmo da Saliceto Hospital, 29121 Piacenza, Italy.
Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy.
Antibiotics (Basel). 2025 Jun 4;14(6):577. doi: 10.3390/antibiotics14060577.
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is a common adverse effect of pediatric antibiotic therapy, often linked to gut microbiota disruption. Probiotics may help prevent AAD when appropriately selected and dosed. : We conducted a cross-sectional survey to assess the attitudes and prescribing habits of Italian Primary Care Pediatricians (PCPs) regarding the use of probiotics during antibiotic treatment. A digital questionnaire comprising 23 mandatory multiple-choice items was distributed to 980 PCPs across Italy between July and October 2024. The survey explored probiotic prescribing frequency, indications, strains used, dosage, duration, and sources of information. Descriptive statistics and subgroup analyses by years of clinical experience were performed. : A total of 279 PCPs (response rate: 28%) completed the survey; 66.7% were female, and 77.1% had over 20 years of clinical experience. Probiotics were prescribed primarily to restore microbiota balance (81.1%) and prevent AAD (47.3%). The most common barriers included additional cost (35.1%) and perceived lack of evidence (26.5%). GG (91.8%) and (41.9%) were the most frequently recommended strains. Daily doses of 5-10 billion CFU were preferred by 44.4% of respondents, with typical durations of 1-2 weeks (40.1%) or one week (31.2%). : Probiotics are widely used by Italian PCPs during antibiotic therapy, especially for microbiota support and AAD prevention. However, variability in practice underscores the need for clearer, evidence-based guidelines regarding probiotic strain selection, dosing, and treatment duration.
抗生素相关性腹泻（AAD）是儿科抗生素治疗常见的不良反应，常与肠道微生物群紊乱有关。适当选择和服用益生菌可能有助于预防AAD。我们进行了一项横断面调查，以评估意大利初级保健儿科医生（PCP）在抗生素治疗期间使用益生菌的态度和处方习惯。2024年7月至10月期间，向意大利各地980名PCP发放了一份包含23个必填多项选择题的数字问卷。该调查探讨了益生菌的处方频率、适应症、使用菌株、剂量、疗程以及信息来源。进行了描述性统计和按临床经验年限的亚组分析。共有279名PCP（回复率：28%）完成了调查；66.7%为女性，77.1%有超过20年的临床经验。益生菌主要用于恢复微生物群平衡（81.1%）和预防AAD（47.3%）。最常见的障碍包括额外费用（35.1%）和认为缺乏证据（26.5%）。GG（91.8%）和（41.9%）是最常推荐的菌株。44.4%的受访者首选每日剂量为50亿至100亿CFU，典型疗程为1至2周（40.1%）或一周（31.2%）。意大利PCP在抗生素治疗期间广泛使用益生菌，尤其是用于支持微生物群和预防AAD。然而，实践中的差异突出表明，需要关于益生菌菌株选择、剂量和治疗疗程的更清晰、基于证据的指南。
