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A systematic review of prevention and treatment of infantile colic

Anders Hjern 

 

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.

Key notes

• One in five infants fulfil the criteria of infantile colic at the age of six weeks.
• There is moderately strong evidence that administration of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 can shorten crying duration in infants with colic, while the available evidence does not support acupuncture for colic.
• There is a need for evidence‐based parent support strategies for infantile colic. Such strategies should also include the second parent.