The use of probiotics in maternity wards in the Republic of Croatia: Results of the 2024 survey
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.13112/pc.990Keywords:
probiotics, perinatal care, practice guideline, safety, hospital, maternity ward, infant, newbornAbstract
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.
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