Probiotics supplement for the prevention of eczema in children: Study protocol for a meta-analysis and systematic review

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD), also called eczema, is one of the most familiar chronic diseases in childhood. A possible pathological mechanism is immune dysfunction resulting in IgE sensitization to allergens. The recent studies demonstrated that the immune system can be affected by probiotics or prebiotics. However, the effectiveness and safety of probiotics or prebiotics on prevention of eczema are still unclear. To investigate this question, we conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: The protocol followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. Four main databases (PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and the web of science) will be searched dating until 15 July 2019 for randomized controlled trials investigating the effects and safety of probiotics or prebiotics on prevention of eczema in children with no language restrictions. In addition, a manual search of the references of relevant published studies will also be considered. Studies selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment will be conducted by two independent reviewers. The primary outcome is the incidence of eczema. The second outcome is adverse events. The duration of intervention, the timing of intervention and intervention organism will be taken into consideration. RESULTS: The results will provide useful information about the effect and safety of probiotics or prebiotics on reducing the incidence of eczema in children. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study will be published in a peer-reviewed journal. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42019136528.