Probiotics in the Intensive Care Unit: from Bench to Bedside

Abstract

An acknowledgment of the crucial role of intestinal tract and digestive flora has aroused growing interest in the use of probiotics (defined as “live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amount, confer a beneficial health effect”) during various intestinal disorders such as chronic inflammatory bowel disease, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, and extra-digestive diseases, namely atopic dermatitis, allergy, and asthma. However, clinical data related to their use in the intensive care unit, especially with the aim to prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia, are scarce and conflicting. We hereby review and discuss the usefulness of probiotics in critically ill patients.