The Effect of Prophylactic Probiotic Lactobacilli in Enteral Feeding on Nosocomial Pneumonia Rates in Critically Ill Patients
Critical Illness
About this trial
This is an interventional prevention trial for Critical Illness focused on measuring Nosocomial rates in critically ill patients
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Adult patients (18 years or over)admitted to ICU with an expected stay of more than 48 hours. Patients who are commenced on enteral feeding via gastric or post pyloric routes. Patients who consent or if the patients is incompetent, their next of kin who consent, to inclusion in the study Exclusion Criteria: Patients less than 18 years old. Patients who are already receiving probiotic treatment. The lactobacillus acidophilus preparation to be used in the study, contains a very small amount of MSG (total dose of 20mg/day, equivalent to 10% of the initial dose used to test MSG sensitivity) and as a precaution, patients with asthma or recurrent urticaria will be excluded. Patients with HIV infection, pre-existing immunosuppression, or who are pregnant. As the Lactobacillus is a live micro-organism, immunosuppressed and pregnant pateints will be excluded. Patients with a contra-indication to enteral feeding. Patients with contra-indication to placement of enteral feeding tube. Patients or next-of-kin who do not consent to inclusion in the study. Patients who are already enrolled in another study that may influence the outcome of the probiotic study.
Sites / Locations
- Intensive Care Unit Royal Melbourne Hospital Grattan Street
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Arm 3
Placebo Comparator
Active Comparator
Active Comparator
Standard Care
First active treatment
Second active reatment
Two capsules containing placebo will be given 12 hourly
Two capsules containing probiotic lactobacillus fermentin given 12 hourly
Two capsules containing probiotic lactobacillus acidiphilus given 12 hourly