Modern Pediatrics. Ukraine. (2026).4(156): 9-18. doi: 10.15574/SP.2026.4(156).918
Marushko Yu. V., Yesipova S. I.
Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine

For citation: Marushko YuV, Yesipova SI. (2026). Evaluation of the efficacy and tolerability of various probiotic support options in the prevention of antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal disorders in children. Modern Pediatrics. Ukraine. 4(156): 9-18. doi: 10.15574/SP.2026.4(156).918.
Article received: Mar 07, 2026. Accepted for publication: May 12, 2026.

Antibiotic use can contribute to the development of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD).
Aim – to summarize literature data and evaluate the efficacy of various probiotic agents for the prevention of AAD in children receiving antibiotic therapy for complications of acute respiratory infections (ARI).
Materials and methods. A total of 98 children aged 5-12 years were examined; they received antibiotic therapy and additional probiotic agents while being treated for complications of acute respiratory infections. Group I received a combination of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LR GG) and Saccharomyces boulardii (SB); Group II received SB; and Group III received a combined lacto-bifidoprobiotic. No probiotics were administered to Group IV. The study assessed the incidence and characteristics of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (severity, duration, and time of onset), gastrointestinal complaints, and coprogram findings. Evaluations were conducted on days 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 of antibiotic therapy, as well as at 1 and 2 months of follow-up.
Results. The incidence AAD among the observed children was 4% in Group I, and 8.5% and 12.5% in Groups II and III, respectively, compared to 32% in Group IV. Probiotic agents significantly reduced the development of AAD. The lowest absolute and relative risk of AAD was observed in the Group I. Coprogram analysis revealed that by the 10^th day, stool analysis results were within normal limits in the Groups І, ІІ and ІІІ.
Conclusions. An analysis of current literature and the results of our own observations confirm the advisability of using probiotic support during antibiotic therapy in children to prevent the development of AAD
The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent of parents and children was obtained for the research.
The authors declare no conflict of interest
Keywords: respiratory infections, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, probiotics, children.

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