Effects of Synbiotic Supplementation on Biochemical, Coagulation, and Hematological Parameters in Intensive Care Unit Patients with Multiple Trauma and Traumatic Brain Injury

Background: Synbiotic supplementation may support gastrointestinal and systemic homeostasis among intensive care unit (ICU) patients. This study evaluated the effects of short-term synbiotic supplementation on biochemical, renal, hepatic, coagulation, electrolyte, and hematological parameters in ICU-admitted patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI).Methods: This double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial enrolled ۶۲ ICU patients with TBI (Glasgow Coma Scale ۴-۱۴) at Al-Zahra Medical Sciences Hospital, Isfahan, from December ۲۰۲۴ to June ۲۰۲۵. Participants were randomized ۱:۱ to receive synbiotics (۳.۶×۱۰۹ CFU/day probiotics plus inulin, ۲۰ g/day) or placebo (maltodextrin) via gavage for ۱ week. Blood samples were collected at baseline and post-intervention to assess biochemical, electrolyte, coagulation, and hematological parameters.Results: No significant between-group differences were observed in parameters, including fasting blood sugar, blood urea nitrogen, liver enzymes, coagulation indices, electrolytes, and blood cell counts. However, synbiotic supplementation led to significant within-group reductions in serum creatinine (p=۰.۰۰۱), sodium (p=۰.۰۰۲), and chloride (p<۰.۰۰۱), as well as neutrophil percentage (p=۰.۰۳۸), and a significant increase in platelet count (p=۰.۰۰۲).Conclusion: Short-term synbiotic supplementation was associated with significant within-group improvements in laboratory parameters. However, between-group differences were not statistically significant, suggesting that larger and longer studies are needed to establish clinical relevance.

کلیدواژه ها:

Traumatic brain injury ، Synbiotics ، Intensive care unit ، Liver function tests ، Electrolytes