Probiotic capsules could improve pulmonary function and quality of life in patients with cystic fibrosis - Iranian Journal of Pediatrics Vol.23 No.6

This is our second consecutive post on the Iranian Journal of Pediatrics. We will continue our posts on the journal in the next few weeks. Vol.23 no.6 was updated in July. 

This issue includes "Clinical Profile of Snake Bite in Children in Rural India" by Kshirsagar et al. As a result of a high rate of snake bite cases being reported, Kshirsagar et al. conducted a study on the frequency of snake bites and how they are treated in Maharashtra, India. 162 patients that had a snake bite less than 15 years ago were used for this study, in which their case records were examined for age, sex, complications and outcomes among other factors. The results indicated that 98 of the patients with snake bites were male. The results also indicated that in more than 90% of cases, the snake bites were vasculotoxic, and that in more than 9% of cases, the snake bites were neuroparalytic. More than 51% of cases occurred from July to September.

This issue also includes "Effects of Probiotics on Quality of Life in Children with Cystic Fibrosis; A Randomized Controlled Trial" by Jafari et al. This study aimed to examine the effects of probiotics in young children with cystic fibrosis, since probiotics have indicated to improve ntestinal and pulmonary functions. 37 children ages 2-12 with cystic fibrosis were put into two groups. One group was given probiotic capsules for one month and the other was given placebo capsules. The results indicated that pulmonary exacerbation was significantly reduced in the group that took probiotic capsules. The study concluded that probiotic capsules could improve pulmonary function and improve the quality of life in patients, particularly children, with cystic fibrosis.

For the complete results of these studies and other articles from this issue, click here.