The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome using a novel multi-strain probiotic

Student thesis: Doctoral ThesisDoctor of Medicine by Research

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 Award2014
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • King's College London
SupervisorIngvar Bjarnason (Supervisor) & David Scott (Supervisor)

Cite this

'