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Is lactobacillus GG helpful in children with Crohn's disease? Results of a preliminary, open-label study
P Gupta1, H Andrew, B S Kirschner
1Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Chicago Children's Hospital, Illinois 60637, USA.
Insights
Lactobacillus GG supplementation improved clinical symptoms and gut permeability in children with Crohn's disease. This pilot study suggests potential benefits for gut barrier function in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Lactobacillus GG is a probiotic bacterium known for gut colonization and treating gastrointestinal issues.
- Increased intestinal permeability is a characteristic of several gastrointestinal conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of Lactobacillus GG in children diagnosed with Crohn's disease.
Main Methods:
- An open-label pilot study involved four children with mild to moderate Crohn's disease.
- Lactobacillus GG (10(10) CFU) was administered twice daily for six months.
- Intestinal permeability and clinical activity were assessed using specific tests and indices.
Main Results:
- Significant clinical improvement was observed within one week of Lactobacillus GG administration, sustained throughout the study.
- Pediatric Crohn's disease activity index scores decreased by a median of 73% at four weeks.
- Intestinal permeability showed a parallel improvement trend.
Conclusions:
- Lactobacillus GG shows promise in enhancing gut barrier function and clinical status for pediatric Crohn's disease patients.
- Further randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are recommended for definitive efficacy assessment.
Background:
Lactobacillus GG is a safe probiotic bacterium known to transiently colonize the human intestine. It has been found to be useful in treatment of several gastrointestinal conditions characterized by increased gut permeability. In the current study, the efficacy of Lactobacillus GG was investigated in children with Crohn's disease.
Methods:
In this open-label pilot evaluation viewed as a necessary preliminary step for a possible subsequent randomized placebo-controlled trial, four children with mildly to moderately active Crohn's disease were given Lactobacillus GG (10(10) colony-forming units [CFU]) in enterocoated tablets twice a day for 6 months. Changes in intestinal permeability were measured by a double sugar permeability test. Clinical activity was determined by measuring the pediatric Crohn's disease activity index.
Results:
There was a significant improvement in clinical activity 1 week after starting Lactobacillus GG, which was sustained throughout the study period. Median pediatric Crohn's disease activity index scores at 4 weeks were 73% lower than baseline. Intestinal permeability improved in an almost parallel fashion.
Conclusions:
Findings in this pilot study show that Lactobacillus GG may improve gut barrier function and clinical status in children with mildly to moderately active, stable Crohn's disease. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are warranted for a final assessment of the efficacy of Lactobacillus GG in Crohn's disease.
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