AJNN
Academic Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Neuropsychology

Academic Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Neuropsychology (formerly known as the Academic Journal of Neurology and Neurosurgery, e-ISSN:3023-6517), deals with neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry and clinical psychology accepts articles on these topics. Academic Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Neuropsychology publishes original research articles, review articles, case reports, editorial commentaries, letters to the editor, educational articles, and conference/meeting announcements.

eISSN: 3108-8171
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Original Article
Effect of probiotic supplementation during early enteral nutrition on clinical outcomes in severe traumatic brain injury: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial with blinded outcome assessment
Abstract
Aims: Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Post-traumatic gut dysbiosis may contribute to adverse outcomes, and probiotic supplementation has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy; however, clinical evidence remains inconclusive. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of probiotic supplementation during early enteral nutrition on clinical outcomes in adults with severe TBI.
Methods: This prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial with blinded outcome assessment enrolled 54 adults with severe TBI. Participants on an early enteral feeding protocol were randomized to receive either probiotic supplementation (n=27) or a placebo (n=27). The primary outcome was functional status at three months, assessed using the Glasgow Outcome Score Extended (GOSE), or death before assessment. Secondary outcomes included 30-day mortality, complication rates, and intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay.
Results: The mean age was 37±14.9 years, with a male predominance (8:1). Favorable three-month outcomes occurred in 40.7% of the probiotic group compared with 25.9% of controls (p=0.248). The 30-day mortality rate was numerically higher in the probiotic group, though this difference did not achieve statistical significance (22.2% vs. 11.1%; p=0.273). Overall complication rates (51.9% vs. 66.7%; p=0.268), and mean ICU stay (9±3.25 vs. 9±4.14 days; p=0.401) were similar.
Conclusion: Probiotic supplementation during early enteral nutrition demonstrated no statistically significant improvement in three-month functional outcomes or ICU stay in this trial; the primary findings regarding efficacy remain inconclusive, though the observed numerical differences warrant exploration in larger cohorts.

Keywords : Traumatic brain injury, early enteral nutrition, probiotics, mortality, Glasgow Outcome Score

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Article available in :
Volume 3, Issue 3, 2026
Page : 62-69
https://doi.org/10.51271/AJNN-0054
Article Information
Received : 22 Tem 2026
Accepted : 26 Eyl 2026
Published : 29 Eyl 2026
Corresponding Author :

Olukorede Adekunle: Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Kwara, Nigeria

[email protected]
Citation : Adekunle OO, Odebode OT, Aliu-Ibrahim SA, et al. Effect of probiotic supplementation during early enteral nutrition on clinical outcomes in severe traumatic brain injury: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial with blinded outcome assessment. Acad J Neuropsychiatry Neuropsychol. 2026;3(3):62-69. doi:10.51271/AJNN-0054

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