The use of probiotics in maternity wards in the Republic of Croatia: Results of the 2024 survey

Authors

  • Milan Stanojević Varšavsko medicinsko sveučilište, Klinika za neonatologiju i rijetke bolesti, Zwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poljska https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3124-5575
  • Boris Filipović Grčić Klinika za pedijatriju Medicinskog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Klinički bolnički centar Zagreb, Hrvatska
  • Orjena Žaja Klinika za dječje bolesti Medicinskog fakulteta u Splitu, Klinički bolnički centar Split, Hrvatska
  • Borisav Janković Medicinski fakultet Univerziteta u Beogradu, Srbija
  • Anita Pavičić Bošnjak Odjel za podršku dojenju pri Banci humanog mlijeka u Kliničkom bolničkom centru Zagreb, Hrvatska

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13112/pc.990

Keywords:

probiotics, perinatal care, practice guideline, safety, hospital, maternity ward, infant, newborn

Abstract

Introduction: The use of probiotics in neonatal care has been increasing; however, their implementation in maternity hospitals remains inconsistent. This study aimed to assess the attitudes of physicians working in neonatal units across all levels of perinatal care in Croatia regarding the use of probiotics, to identify the main clinical indications for their use, and to determine the existence and availability of clinical guidelines.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in 28 out of 35 (80.0 %) Croatian maternity hospitals, accounting for 93.4 % of all live births in the Republic of Croatia in 2023. The questionnaire included items related to the types of probiotics used, criteria for their administration, and the presence of institutional guidelines.
Results: Probiotics are routinely administered in 11 of 28 (39.3 %) surveyed maternity hospitals, while the remaining institutions either do not use them or apply them selectively. The most commonly used strains were Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium breve. The leading indications for probiotic use were neonatal diarrhea and/or infantile colic following antibiotic therapy (36.8 %) and prophylactic use during antibiotic treatment (31.6 %). In five institutions, probiotic use was based on a consensus within the department, while in six it was guided by individual physician discretion.
Discussion: The findings indicate substantial variability in the use of probiotics across Croatian maternity hospitals. The absence of standardized national guidelines may contribute to inconsistent clinical practices and potentially variable outcomes. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of probiotic therapy in neonatal populations.
Conclusion: The use of probiotics in Croatian neonatal units is not standardized, and clinical guidelines are not universally available. There is a clear need for the development of national evidence-based guidelines and additional research to support the safe and effective use of probiotics in neonatal care.

Author Biographies

  • Milan Stanojević, Varšavsko medicinsko sveučilište, Klinika za neonatologiju i rijetke bolesti, Zwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091 Warszawa, Poljska

    Varšavsko medicinsko sveučilište, Klinika za neonatologiju i rijetke bolesti, Varšava, Poljska

    predavač i istraživač

  • Boris Filipović Grčić, Klinika za pedijatriju Medicinskog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Klinički bolnički centar Zagreb, Hrvatska

    Prof. dr. sc. Boris Filipović Grčić, dr. med. Klinika za pedijatriju Medicinskog fakulteta Sveučilišta u Zagrebu, Klinički bolnički centar Zagreb, Hrvatska

  • Orjena Žaja, Klinika za dječje bolesti Medicinskog fakulteta u Splitu, Klinički bolnički centar Split, Hrvatska

    Izv. prof. prim. dr. sc. Orjena Žaja, dr. med., Klinika za dječje bolesti Medicinskog fakulteta u Splitu, Klinički bolnički centar Split, Hrvatska

  • Borisav Janković, Medicinski fakultet Univerziteta u Beogradu, Srbija

    Prof. dr. sc. Borisav Janković,dr. med. Medicinski fakultet Univerziteta u Beogradu, Srbija

  • Anita Pavičić Bošnjak, Odjel za podršku dojenju pri Banci humanog mlijeka u Kliničkom bolničkom centru Zagreb, Hrvatska

    Izv. prof. dr. sc. Anita Pavičić Bošnjak, dr. med., Odjel za podršku dojenju pri Banci humanog mlijeka u Kliničkom bolničkom centru Zagreb, Hrvatska

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Published

2025-05-14

Issue

Section

Original Scientific Paper

How to Cite

Stanojević, M., Filipović Grčić, B., Žaja, O., Janković, B., & Pavičić Bošnjak, A. (2025). The use of probiotics in maternity wards in the Republic of Croatia: Results of the 2024 survey. Paediatria Croatica, 69(2), 78-90. https://doi.org/10.13112/pc.990

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