Abstract
Background The importance of interactions between the host and gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is becoming increasingly apparent. Probiotics offer a potential new therapy for the treatment of IBS, but current results with these products are conflicting, largely as a result of poorly designed trials and non-standardisation of outcome measures.Aims The objective of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of a liquid, multi-strain probiotic in the treatment of IBS. Methods A single-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of adult patients with symptomatic IBS. Patients received 12 weeks of treatment with the probiotic or placebo (1ml/kg/day). The primary efficacy measure was a change in the IBS symptom severity score (IBS-SSS) from baseline to week 12. A secondary outcome measure was a change in the IBS quality of life (IBS-QOL) score.
Results A total of 186 patients were randomised and 152 patients completed the study. The mean difference in change in IBS symptom severity scores between the two groups was statistically significant (-35.0 (95% CI; -62.03, -7.87); p=0.01). Adverse events were mild and transient and no serious adverse events were reported. Conclusion The multi-strain probiotic is associated with an improvement in overall symptom severity in patients with IBS, is well tolerated and has a good safety profile.
Date of Award | 2014 |
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Original language | English |
Awarding Institution |
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Supervisor | Ingvar Bjarnason (Supervisor) & David Scott (Supervisor) |