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Published on: January 27, 2019

A randomized controlled trial of Lactobacillus GG in children with functional abdominal pain

Ruggiero Francavilla1, Vito Miniello, Anna Maria Magistà

  • 1Department of Developmental Biomedicine, Gastroenterology Section, University of Bari, Bari, Italy. rfrancavilla@libero.it

Pediatrics
|November 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) significantly reduced abdominal pain in children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This probiotic intervention improved gut barrier function and provided sustained symptom relief.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Microbiome Research
  • Clinical Nutrition

Background:

  • Recurrent abdominal pain is a common issue in children, significantly impacting their quality of life.
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain are frequent diagnoses in pediatric populations.
  • The gut microbiome and barrier function are increasingly recognized as factors in functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) in alleviating symptoms of recurrent abdominal pain in children.
  • To assess the impact of LGG on intestinal permeability in pediatric patients with abdominal pain.
  • To determine if LGG provides sustained symptom relief and improves gut barrier function.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 141 children with IBS or functional pain.
  • Participants received either LGG or a placebo for 8 weeks, followed by an 8-week follow-up period.
  • Intestinal permeability was assessed using a double-sugar test at baseline and end of the trial.

Main Results:

  • LGG significantly reduced both the frequency and severity of abdominal pain compared to placebo (P < .01).
  • Treatment success was higher in the LGG group (48 vs. 37 children, P < .03) and effects were sustained post-intervention.
  • LGG significantly decreased abnormal intestinal permeability test results (P < .03), particularly in children with IBS.

Conclusions:

  • Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) is effective in reducing abdominal pain frequency and severity in children with IBS.
  • The therapeutic effect of LGG is sustained over time.
  • Improvements in gut barrier function may underlie the beneficial effects of LGG in pediatric abdominal pain.
Abstract

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