[Effects of probiotics combined with breastfeeding on intestinal colonization and the risk of allergic diseases in newborns delivered by cesarean section: a 5-year follow-up study].

Fecal Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium levels were consistently higher in the combined (breastfeeding plus probiotics) group than in the breastfed-only group across all follow-up time points.

• Differences were statistically significant at ages 2, 3, 4, and 5 years (P<0.05).
• The study enrolled 176 cesarean-delivered newborns, with 88 in each group.
• 13 infants were lost to follow-up in the breastfed group and 7 in the combined group.
• This was a prospective cohort study with a 5-year follow-up period.

Serum immunoglobulin levels (IgA, IgM, and IgG) were higher in the combined group than in the breastfed-only group.

• Differences in IgA, IgM, and IgG were statistically significant (P<0.05).
• Measurements were taken at ages 2, 3, 4, and 5 years.
• Higher immunoglobulin levels in the combined group suggest enhanced humoral immunity associated with probiotic supplementation alongside breastfeeding.

Height and weight were higher in the combined group compared to the breastfed-only group at ages 3, 4, and 5 years.

• Differences in height and weight were statistically significant at ages 3, 4, and 5 years (P<0.05).
• No significant difference in height and weight was reported at age 2 years between groups.
• Growth outcomes were tracked across the full 5-year follow-up period.

The overall incidence of allergic diseases was lower in the combined (breastfeeding plus probiotics) group than in the breastfed-only group.

• The difference in overall allergic disease incidence was statistically significant (P<0.05).
• In multivariable logistic regression, the combination of probiotics and breastfeeding was identified as a protective factor for allergic diseases (OR=0.267, P<0.05).
• Family history of allergic diseases was identified as a risk factor for allergic diseases in cesarean-delivered newborns (OR=3.611, P<0.05).

Fine motor scores at age 5 years were higher in the combined group than in the breastfed-only group.

• The difference in fine motor scores at age 5 years was statistically significant (P<0.05).
• Fine motor scoring differences were reported specifically at the 5-year follow-up time point.
• This suggests a potential neurodevelopmental benefit associated with probiotic supplementation combined with breastfeeding in cesarean-delivered infants.