BY-Dhanishta Javalkar, Manasvi Sachin Davande.-
Volume 1 Issue 1 (May-Aug) 2024, Article 7 (pp.58-67)
Key Points
How does probiotic supplementation impact platelet count in patients with Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP)?
Findings:
In this systematic review and meta-analysis of 15 studies involving 850 patients with ITP, probiotic supplementation was associated with a statistically significant increase in platelet count compared to placebo (mean increase of 15,000 platelets per microliter vs. 5,000 platelets per microliter, p<0.01). The studies varied in design, including randomized controlled trials and observational studies, but consistently showed a positive effect of probiotics on platelet count.
Meaning: Probiotic supplementation appears to be an effective adjunctive treatment for increasing platelet count in ITP patients, suggesting its potential as a beneficial strategy in the management of this condition.
Abstract
Importance: Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is a disorder characterized by a low platelet count, leading to increased bleeding risk and compromised quality of life. Probiotic supplementation has emerged as a potential adjunctive therapy for improving platelet levels in ITP patients, yet its efficacy remains uncertain and warrants systematic evaluation.
Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the impact of probiotic supplementation on platelet count in patients with ITP. The review focuses on assessing the treatment effects of probiotics, examining evidence across various study designs, and elucidating the intervention’s role in improving clinical outcomes related to platelet counts.
Evidence Review: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus, up to August 2024. The search strategy incorporated terms related to “probiotic supplementation” and “Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura.” Included studies comprised randomized controlled trials, cohort studies, and observational studies that evaluated the effect of probiotics on platelet count. We assessed study quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for non-randomized studies. Reference lists of relevant articles were also reviewed to identify additional studies.
Findings: The review incorporated 15 studies, encompassing a total of 850 participants with ITP. The studies varied in design but consistently demonstrated a positive impact of probiotics on platelet count. On average, probiotic supplementation resulted in a mean increase of 15,000 platelets per microliter compared to a 5,000 platelets per microliter increase in placebo groups (p<0.01). The quality of evidence ranged from moderate to high, with randomized controlled trials providing the most robust data.
Conclusions and Relevance: Probiotic supplementation appears to be a promising adjunctive treatment for increasing platelet count in ITP patients. The findings suggest that incorporating probiotics into treatment regimens could potentially enhance patient outcomes. However, further high-quality studies are needed to confirm these results and establish definitive clinical guidelines. This review underscores the need for continued research into the therapeutic potential of probiotics in managing ITP.
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