Probiotics for gastroenteritis in children are among a number of paediatric medical practices that need further scrutiny or should just be avoided, according to a systematic review.

US paediatricians assessed the literature for 2018 to identify areas of low-value care and found 10 relevant studies. 

“This year’s review of the paediatric medical overuse literature features articles that highlight both established and emerging practices that warrant scrutiny and possibly deimplementation,” the authors said in JAMA Pediatrics. 

“Some of these overused and established practices are well entrenched, with stable or increasing reliance on the intervention.”