Premium
A systematic review of prevention and treatment of infantile colic
Author(s) -
Hjern Anders,
Lindblom Kristin,
Reuter Antonia,
Silfverdal SvenArne
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.15247
Subject(s) - infantile colic , crying , medicine , lactobacillus reuteri , psychological intervention , pediatrics , systematic review , randomized controlled trial , medline , acupuncture , meta analysis , alternative medicine , surgery , psychiatry , lactobacillus , political science , law , pathology , biology , bacteria , genetics
Aim The aim of this review was to evaluate the evidence for interventions for infantile colic. Methods This was a systematic review based on a literature search in December 2017 for articles published during 2007–2017 about preventive and treatment interventions for infantile colic in infants. The review included original randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and meta‐analyses with at least 20 infants in each study group that were assessed according to GRADE criteria. Results The review found moderately strong evidence that administration of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 shortened the crying duration, with positive evidence from three out of four national contexts. There were four RCTs of acupuncture, all with no or minimal effect on crying duration. All studies reviewed with a follow‐up until or beyond three months of age show a quite steep decline over time in crying duration in both treatment and control groups. Conclusion Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 is a promising treatment for infantile colic with moderately strong evidence in this review, but studies in more populations are needed. Acupuncture is not an effective treatment for infantile colic. Systematic support strategies to parents with infantile colic are important knowledge gaps.