The effect of a probiotic blend on gastrointestinal symptoms in constipated patients: a double blind, randomised, placebo controlled 2-week trial

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (6) ◽  
pp. 617-627 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Airaksinen ◽  
N. Yeung ◽  
A. Lyra ◽  
S.J. Lahtinen ◽  
T. Huttunen ◽  
...  

Selected strains of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria are known to ameliorate constipation-related symptoms and have previously shown efficacy on digestive health. In this clinical trial, the safety and effectiveness of a probiotic blend containing lactobacilli and bifidobacteria were evaluated in adults with self-reported bloating and functional constipation. Constipation was diagnosed by the Rome III criteria. A total of 156 adults were randomised into this double-blind and placebo-controlled trial. Participants consumed the combination of Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM (1010 cfu), Lactobacillus paracasei Lpc-37 (2.5×109 cfu), Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis strains Bl-04 (2.5×109 cfu), Bi-07 (2.5×109 cfu) and HN019 (1010 cfu) (n=78), or placebo (microcrystalline cellulose) (n=78) for two weeks. After treatment the following were measured: primary outcome of bloating and secondary outcomes of colonic transit time, bowel movement frequency, stool consistency, other gastrointestinal symptoms (flatulence, abdominal pain, and burbling), constipation-related questionnaires (PAC-SYM and PAC-QoL) and product satisfaction. Faecal recovery of consumed strains was determined. The enrolled population was defined as constipated, however, the initial bloating severity was lower than in previous similar studies. No clinically significant observations related to the safety of the product were reported. Product efficacy was not shown in the primary analysis for bloating nor for the secondary efficacy analyses. The placebo functioned similarly as the probiotic product. In post-hoc analysis, a statistically significant decrease in flatulence in favour of the probiotic group was observed; day 7 (intention-to-treat (ITT): P=0.0313; per-protocol (PP): 0.0253) and on day 14 (ITT: P=0.0116; PP: P=0.0102) as measured by area under the curve (AUC) analysis. The mean AUC of all symptoms decreased in favour of the probiotic group, indicating less digestive discomfort. The study was registered at the ISRCTN registry (ISRCTN41607808).

2014 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 387-391 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veronica Ojetti ◽  
Gianluca Ianiro ◽  
Annalisa Tortora ◽  
Giovanna D‘Angelo ◽  
Teresa Antonella Di Rienzo ◽  
...  

Background & Aims: There is a growing interest for the use of probiotics for chronic constipation. A recent randomized controlled trial (RCT) showed a positive effect of Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) on bowel movement frequency in infants with chronic constipation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of L. reuteri in adult patients with functional constipation.Methods: A double-blind, placebo RCT was conducted in 40 adults (18M/22F, 35±15 years) affected by functional constipation according to the Rome III criteria. Patients were randomly assigned to receive a supplementation of L. reuteri (DSM 17938), or matching placebo for 4 weeks. The increase of bowel movements/week was the primary outcome, while the improvement of stool consistency was the secondary outcome.Results: At week 4, the mean increase in bowel movements/week was 2.6 (SD±1.14, 95% CI:1.6-3.6) in the L. reuteri group and 1.0 (SD±1. 95% CI:0.12-1.88) in the placebo group (p=0.046). At the end of the treatment, the mean bowel movements/week was 5.28±1.93 in the L. reuteri group and 3.89±1.79 in the placebo group. There was a not significant difference in the stool consistency between the two groups.Conclusions: L. reuteri is more effective than the placebo in improving bowel movement frequency in adult patients with functional constipation as previously demonstrated in children, even if it seems to have no effect on stool consistency.


2016 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 136 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Hannah ◽  
M. Juffrie ◽  
S. Yati Soenarto

Background Constipation in children can cause serious problems.Laxative is needed for the management of constipation. Orallaxative has been used frequently, even though a safe oral laxativeagents for children is limited. Prebiotic and probiotic have alreadybeen proven to have laxative effect in constipation in children andadults. The effectiveness of these agents as a laxative has not beenproven yet.Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of laxative synbiotic inconstipation in children compared to that of fiber foods.Methods A randomized double blind controlled trial wasconducted on children aged 6 months-14 years old who sufferedfrom functional constipation at Dr. Sardjito Hospital, Dr. SoeradjiTirtonegoro Hospital, and Wates District Hospital from April2007-October 2007. Randomization was performed by computer. Theoutcome of recovery rate, onset therapy and side effects wereevaluated after seven days of intervention.Results Forty-three children were included in this study, but only41 could be analyzed. Subject characteristics in both groups werecomparable except for maternal educational level. The mainoutcome (recovery rate) was assessed by intention to treat principle.Compared with fiber foods, synbiotic increased the recovery ratewith RR 2.14 (95%CI 1.14; 4.02) and NNT 2.9 (95%CI 2; 15),whereas its therapeutic onset was 15 hours faster than that of fiberfoods. No important side effects were found in both groups.Conclusions Synbiotic is safe and effective in increasing therecovery rate of functional constipation with faster therapeuticonset than that of fiber foods.


2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Riezzo ◽  
A. Orlando ◽  
B. D’Attoma ◽  
M. Linsalata ◽  
M. Martulli ◽  
...  

Dysbiosis may contribute to constipation and its symptoms, therefore probiotic administration could improve significantly gut health and functions. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of a long-lasting administration of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (LR DSM 17938) on symptoms and quality of life (QoL) score in patients with functional constipation (FC). 56 FC patients with normal colonic transit time and without anorectal disorders and pelvic floor dysfunctions completed the study. LR DSM 17938 was administered for 105 days in a randomised double-blind clinical trial (28 patients per arm). Individual and cumulative scores including the Constipaq, a modified Constipation Scoring System (CSS) that considers the patient assessment of constipation-QoL (PAC-QoL), were calculated during the preliminary visit (V0), at day 15 (end of the induction period with a LR DSM 17938 double dosage, 4×108 cfu), day 60 (intermediate evaluation) and day 105 (V4) after a standard dosage (2×108 cfu). At the end of treatment, the beneficial effect of LR DSM 17938 compared to placebo was significantly evident for symptoms related to gas content and dysbiosis (abdominal discomfort, pain and bloating), incomplete defecation and helps for defecation (P<0.05). At the end of the whole LR DSM 17938 treatment, a marked and positive effect on both the CSS single and the cumulative items was evident with the exception of unfruitful attempt and Bristol score. Present findings indicate that LR DSM 17938 has an effect on symptoms different from stool consistency, and they suggest that this probiotic can effectively be used in association therapy rather than as single-drug therapy in the management of FC.


2019 ◽  
Vol 90 (3) ◽  
pp. e10.4-e11
Author(s):  
E Edlmann ◽  
A Kolias ◽  
E Thelin ◽  
D Gatt ◽  
Y Al-Tamimi ◽  
...  

ObjectivesReview recruitment progression and statistical analysis plan for Dex-CSDH trial.DesignA UK multi-centre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of dexamethasone versus placebo for CSDH.SubjectsSymptomatic, adult CSDH patients admitted to a participating neurosurgical unit.MethodsTrial participants receive a 2 week course of dexamethasone in addition to standard care, including surgery. The primary outcome measure is the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at 6 months. An mRS of 0–3 requires the patient to be independently mobile and we have considered this a favourable outcome, with scores 4–6 (non-mobile) as unfavourable. The primary analysis will be performed on an intention-to-treat basis, estimating the absolute difference between the two treatment arms in the proportions achieving a favourable outcome. Secondary analysis will be done with an ordinal analysis of mRS scores and proportional odds logistic regression of the original mRS score adjusting for baseline covariates (age, GCS).Results629/750 patients (84%) have been recruited to the Dex-CSDH trial which is on-going as of 20-06-2018. Recruitment progress and follow-up at time of presentation will be reviewed alongside full statistical analysis plan.ConclusionsThe Dex-CSDH trial is drawing close to target following excellent recruitment across 22 UK centres. Transparent communication of the statistical analysis plan is essential prior to unblinding of the data. Up-to-date recruitment and primary endpoint completion rates will also be reviewed.


Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvin Ibarra ◽  
Tetyana Pelipyagina ◽  
Matthew Rueffer ◽  
Malkanthi Evans ◽  
Arthur Ouwehand

The addition of fiber is one of the most important dietary means to relieve constipation through lifestyle modification. Polydextrose (PDX) has been reported in several studies to increase fecal bulk, soften stools, and increase the number of defecations. However, there are few studies on the effect of PDX on colonic transit time (CTT). Therefore, the aim of this study was to demonstrate the effect of PDX on CTT and other aspects of gastrointestinal function during two weeks (Day 1 to Day 14), preceded by a 2-week run-in period (Day -14 to Day -1). A total of 192 adults who were diagnosed with functional constipation per Rome III criteria were recruited for the study. Participants were randomized equally into 4 groups (12 g, 8 g, or 4 g of PDX or placebo per day). The primary endpoint was CTT, assessed using radio-opaque markers and abdominal X-rays on Day 0, the baseline; and Day 15, the end of the intervention. Secondary outcomes that were measured using inventories were the patient assessment of constipation symptoms and quality of life, bowel function index, relief of constipation, bowel movement frequency (BMF), stool consistency, degree of straining, and proportion of bowel movements. Ancillary parameters and harms were also evaluated. The recruited population was not sufficiently constipated (e.g., baseline values for CTT and BMF of 42 h and 8.7 BMF/week, respectively). Despite this limitation, our results demonstrated an increased number of bowel movements when supplemented with PDX at a dosage of 12 g per day for 2 weeks. This dosage also consistently improved the secondary outcomes that were measured using inventories at Day 15, compared with the baseline. No serious or significant adverse events were reported during the study.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuanyuan Wang ◽  
Sultana Monira Hussain ◽  
Desmond Gan ◽  
Yuan Z. Lim ◽  
Mahnuma Mahfuz Estee ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Hand osteoarthritis is a common and disabling chronic joint disease with a lack of effective therapies. Emerging evidence suggests the role of local inflammation in causing pain in hand osteoarthritis. Corticosteroids are potent anti-inflammatory drugs used in many rheumatic diseases. The aim of this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is to determine whether topical corticosteroid reduces pain over 6 weeks in patients with hand osteoarthritis. Methods One hundred participants with hand osteoarthritis will be recruited from the community in Melbourne, Australia, and randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either topical Diprosone OV or placebo ointment administered 3 times daily on the painful hand joints for 6 weeks. The primary outcome is pain reduction (assessed by 100 mm visual analogue scale) at 6 weeks. The secondary outcomes include changes in pain and function assessed using Functional Index for Hand Osteoarthritis, Australian Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index, Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire, and tender and swollen joint count at 6 weeks. Adverse events will be recorded. The primary analysis will be by intention to treat, including all participants in their randomised groups. Discussion This study will provide high-quality evidence to determine whether topical corticosteroid reduces pain over 6 weeks in patients with hand osteoarthritis, with major clinical and public health importance by informing clinical practice guidelines for the management of hand osteoarthritis and reducing the burden of the disabling disease. Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR), ACTRN12620000599976. Registered 22 May 2020.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 1276
Author(s):  
Franka Neumer ◽  
Orenci Urraca ◽  
Joaquin Alonso ◽  
Jesús Palencia ◽  
Vicente Varea ◽  
...  

The present study aims to evaluate the effects of an infant formula supplemented with a mixture of prebiotic short and long chain inulin-type oligosaccharides on health outcomes, safety and tolerance, as well as on fecal microbiota composition during the first year of life. In a prospective, multicenter, randomized, double-blind study, n = 160 healthy term infants under 4 months of age were randomized to receive either an infant formula enriched with 0.8 g/dL of Orafti®Synergy1 or an unsupplemented control formula until the age of 12 months. Growth, fever (>38 °C) and infections were regularly followed up by a pediatrician. Digestive symptoms, stool consistency as well as crying and sleeping patterns were recorded during one week each study month. Fecal microbiota and immunological biomarkers were determined from a subgroup of infants after 2, 6 and 12 months of life. The intention to treat (ITT) population consisted of n = 149 infants. Both formulae were well tolerated. Mean duration of infections was significantly lower in the prebiotic fed infants (p < 0.05). The prebiotic group showed higher Bifidobacterium counts at month 6 (p = 0.006), and higher proportions of Bifidobacterium in relation to total bacteria at month 2 and 6 (p = 0.042 and p = 0.013, respectively). Stools of infants receiving the prebiotic formula were softer (p < 0.05). Orafti®Synergy1 tended to beneficially impact total daily amount of crying (p = 0.0594). Supplementation with inulin-type prebiotic oligosaccharides during the first year of life beneficially modulates the infant gut microbiota towards higher Bifidobacterium levels at the first 6 months of life, and is associated with reduced duration of infections.


Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 1854
Author(s):  
Bernadette P. Marriott ◽  
Travis H. Turner ◽  
Joseph R. Hibbeln ◽  
Jill C. Newman ◽  
Marcie Pregulman ◽  
...  

Studies have assessed omega-3 fatty acids and cognitive decline among older adults and cognitive development among children, although less is known about cognitive or neurological effects among young adults. We examined whether omega-3 supplementation from krill oil could improve cognition and resilience among young military officers compared to a control. This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolled 555 officers (mean age 23.4 ± 2.8, 98.6% male) entering the United States (US) Army Infantry Basic Officer Leaders Course (IBOLC) with the intention to complete the US Ranger Course. Volunteer participants consumed eight dietary supplements daily of krill oil containing 2.3 g omega-3 or control (macadamia nut oil) over an approximate 20-week period. Cognitive functioning, resilience, and mood were assessed during a well-rested period at approximately 14 weeks and after a battlefield simulation at 16 weeks. Blood spot samples were collected to monitor compliance and dietary intake was assessed. All hypotheses were tested using both ‘Intention to Treat’ (ITT) and ‘As Per Protocol’ (APP) approaches. Of the 555 randomized individuals, 245 (44.1%) completed the study. No statistically significant group-by-time interactions indicating treatment effect were found on any outcomes. Poor compliance was indicated by lower than expected omega-3 elevations in the treatment group, and may have contributed to a failure to detect a response.


BMJ Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. e029942 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet Rea Hardy ◽  
Helen Skerman ◽  
Jennifer Philip ◽  
Phillip Good ◽  
David C Currow ◽  
...  

ObjectivesMethotrimeprazine is commonly used for the management of nausea but never tested formally against other drugs used in this setting. The aim was to demonstrate superior antiemetic efficacy.DesignDouble-blind, randomised, controlled trial of methotrimeprazine versus haloperidol.Setting11 palliative care sites in Australia.ParticipantsParticipants were >18 years, had cancer, an average nausea score of ≥3/10 and able to tolerate oral medications. Ineligible patients had acute nausea related to treatment, nausea for which a specific antiemetic was indicated, were about to undergo a procedure or had received either of the study drugs or a change in glucocorticoid dose within the previous 48 hours.InterventionsBased on previous studies, haloperidol was used as the control. Participants were randomised to encapsulated methotrimeprazine 6·25 mg or haloperidol 1·5 mg one time or two times per day and assessed every 24 hours for 72 hours.Main outcome measuresA ≥two-point reduction in nausea score at 72 hours from baseline. Secondary outcome measures were as follows: complete response at 72 hours (end nausea score less than 3), response at 24 and 48 hours, vomiting episodes, use of rescue antiemetics, harms and global impression of change.ResultsResponse to treatment at 72 hours was 75% (44/59) in the haloperidol (H) arm and 63% (36/57) in the methotrimeprazine (M) arm with no difference between groups (intention-to-treat analysis). Complete response rates were 56% (H) and 51% (M). In theper protocolanalysis, there was no difference in response rates: (85% (44/52) (H) and 74% (36/49) (M). Completeper protocolresponse rates were 64% (H) and 59% (M). Toxicity worse than baseline was minimal with a trend towards greater sedation in the methotrimeprazine arm.ConclusionThis study did not demonstrate any difference in response rate between methotrimeprazine and haloperidol in the control of nausea.Trial registration numberACTRN 12615000177550.


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