Antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children hospitalized with pneumonia and preventive effect of bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis B94 use: a single-center, retrospective preliminary observational report

Akbulut U. E., Sakarya A. N. P., Altın H., Isik I. A., Yapar D.

BMC Nutrition, cilt.12, sa.1, 2026 (ESCI, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 12 Sayı: 1
  • Basım Tarihi: 2026
  • Doi Numarası: 10.1186/s40795-025-01233-9
  • Dergi Adı: BMC Nutrition
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Emerging Sources Citation Index (ESCI), Scopus
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, Antibiotics, Children, Pneumonia, Preliminary observational study, Probiotics
  • Akdeniz Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Introduction: Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) is known to be a common problem in children receiving antibiotic treatment. However, there is insufficient data in children hospitalized with a diagnosis of pneumonia. The aim of our study was to evaluate the incidence of AAD in children hospitalized with a diagnosis of pneumonia without known comorbidities and to investigate the protective effect of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis B94 against diarrhea. Population and methods: We conducted a retrospective preliminary observational study in children diagnosed with pneumonia who were admitted to the Department of General Pediatrics at a Tertiary Hospital in the Mediterranean Region of Turkey between January 2021 and December 2023. Children diagnosed with pneumonia who met the study criteria were included in the study. AAD was defined as ≥ 3 loose or watery stools per day for a minimum of 48 h during antibiotic treatment. For patients with AAD, clinical data, antibiotic use, diarrhea incidence, and probiotic use were recorded. Results: A total of 202 patients were enrolled. Of these, 116 (57.4%) were female, with a median age of 33.6 months. AAD developed in 14 patients (6.9%). AAD developed more frequently in children younger than 24 months (p = 0.004). Age and gender distribution were similar between the probiotic and control groups (p > 0.05). AAD developed significantly less in the probiotic group (2.9% vs. 11.0%, p = 0.022). After multivariate adjustment, probiotic use remained protective (adjusted OR: 2.435, 95% CI: [(1.464)–(2.717), p = 0.031]). Additionally, children given probiotics required less IV hydration (1.9% vs. 8.0%, p = 0.041). Conclusion: This preliminary observational study suggests the incidence of AAD is low among children hospitalized with pneumonia without comorbid diseases. Prophylactic use of Bifidobacterium animalis ssp. lactis B94 may reduce the risk of diarrhea, though larger prospective studies are needed for confirmation.