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Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Sodium Taurocholate Induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis in C57BL/6 Mice
Published on: June 28, 2021
[Probiotics in acute pancreatitis--a randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind study]
J Lata1, J Juránková, O Stibůrek
1Interní hepatogastroenterologická klinika Lékarské fakulty MU a FN Brno. jlata@fnbrno.cz
Insights
Probiotic administration in pancreatitis patients did not prevent infections but reduced endotoxin levels, suggesting a potential benefit against bacterial translocation. Further research is needed to confirm these findings.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
Context:
- Pancreatitis complications, especially infected pancreatic necrosis, significantly worsen patient prognosis.
- Preventing infections is crucial for improving outcomes in pancreatitis patients.
Purpose:
- To investigate if probiotic administration can prevent infectious complications in pancreatitis.
- To assess the impact of probiotics on microbial colonization, endotoxin levels, and hospitalization duration.
Summary:
- A small study administered probiotics to 7 pancreatitis patients and placebo to 15, but was stopped early.
- No significant differences were observed in mortality, microbial colonization, or hospitalization length between groups.
- A notable reduction in endotoxin levels was observed in the probiotic group on days 7 and 10.
Impact:
- While current knowledge suggests contraindication for probiotics in this context, the observed reduction in endotoxin indicates a potential positive effect on bacterial translocation.
- These findings warrant further investigation into the role of probiotics in managing bacterial translocation in pancreatitis.
Introduction:
Infections accompanying pancreatitis, particularly pancreatic necroses, represent a serious complication associated with worsening of the disease prognosis. The aim of our study was to explore whether this complication could be prevented by administering a probiotic.
Methods:
The probiotic was administered to 7 patients and placebo to 15. The study was discontinued early following the release of the Propatria study results.
Results:
There was no death in our patient sample and there was no difference between the two groups in microbial colonisation or the length of hospitalization. However, a reduction in endotoxin levels on day 7 and 10 of the hospitalization was observed in the probiotic-treated group.
Conclusion:
Based on the current knowledge, administration of probiotics in this indication is contraindicated. Nonetheless, reduction in endotoxin levels suggests a positive effect of probiotics on bacterial translocation, the importance of which should be evaluated in the future.
Related Concept Videos
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute pancreatitis is characterized by rapid inflammation of the pancreas, often caused by factors like gallstone blockage or excessive alcohol consumption. Chronic pancreatitis, on the other hand, is a slow, progressive inflammation that may result from long-term alcohol abuse, obstructions in the pancreatic duct, or genetic factors.
The causes of acute pancreatitis include:
Acute Pancreatitis I: Introduction
Acute Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Collaborative Care
Assessment:
Acute Pancreatitis II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology

