Befriending the bugs: An updated meta-analysis on the efficacy of probiotic intervention in reducing scorad scores in atopic dermatitis

Summary: We performed this updated meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in reducing SCORAD scores (clinical tool used to assess the severity of atopic dermatitis) in individuals with atopic dermatitis. A systematic review was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, EMBASE, MEDLINE, and Cochrane CENTRAL from inception to February 2025. The review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing probiotics with placebos in patients with atopic dermatitis. The primary outcome measured was the reduction in SCORAD scores during the treatment period. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed to calculate the mean difference (MD) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). The overall quality of the evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system. A total of four RCTs involving 248 patients, with 131 in the probiotic group and 117 in the placebo group, were included in the analysis. The results indicated a significant reduction in the SCORAD score in the probiotic group compared to the placebo group at the end of the treatment period (MD -6.23, 95% CI: -9.14 to -3.32; p < 0.00001). This updated meta-analysis concludes that probiotic use significantly reduces the severity of atopic dermatitis, with both statistical and clinical relevance, reinforcing the results of prior meta-analyses. As a result, the administration of probiotics can be regarded as an effective treatment option for atopic dermatitis. Atika Malik¹, Osama Ijaz², Nihal Khan¹, Nouman Shafique¹, Rachel M. Taylor⁴, Maheera Farsi³ 1. AdventHealth Orlando, Orlando, FL, United States. 2. Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. 3. University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States. 4. Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States. Clinical Research: Interventional Research