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Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in the Treatment of Functional Abdominal Pain in Children: RCT Study
Oleg Jadrešin1, Iva Hojsak, Zrinjka Mišak
1*Referral Center for Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital Zagreb †Center for Pediatric Medicine "Helena", Zagreb, Croatia.
Insights
Probiotics, specifically Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, significantly increased pain-free days and reduced abdominal pain severity in children with functional abdominal pain (FAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This suggests a beneficial role for this probiotic in pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Microbiome Research
- Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain (FAP) are common in children.
- Probiotic efficacy in IBS is reported, but less consistently in other functional abdominal pain disorders.
- Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 is a specific probiotic strain with potential therapeutic benefits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the therapeutic effect of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in children diagnosed with FAP or IBS.
- To evaluate the impact of this probiotic on abdominal pain symptoms and related outcomes in a pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study was conducted.
- Participants included children aged 4-18 years diagnosed with FAP or IBS.
- Symptoms were assessed using validated pain rating and stool consistency scales.
Main Results:
- Children receiving L. reuteri DSM 17938 experienced significantly more pain-free days (median 89.5 vs. 51 days).
- Abdominal pain intensity was reduced in the probiotic group during the second and fourth months of treatment.
- While both groups showed pain reduction, it was more prominent in the intervention group.
Conclusions:
- Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 administration was associated with a reduction in pain intensity.
- The probiotic significantly increased the number of days without abdominal pain in children with FAP and IBS.
- These findings suggest L. reuteri DSM 17938 as a potential treatment for pediatric functional abdominal pain and IBS.
Objectives:
Beneficial therapeutic effect of probiotics has been reported in children with the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but not consistently in other functional abdominal pain-related disorders. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in the treatment of functional abdominal pain (FAP) and IBS in children.
Methods:
Children (age 4-18 years) referred to pediatric gastroenterologist at Children's Hospital Zagreb from May 2012 to December 2014, diagnosed as FAP or IBS, were randomized to receive L reuteri DSM 17938 10⁸ CFU daily or placebo. The study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel study. Symptoms were evaluated using Wong-Baker FACES pain rating scale for pain and Bristol scale for stool shape and consistence.
Results:
Data were analyzed for 55 children (26 in the intervention group and 29 in the placebo group). Children in the intervention group had significantly more days without pain (median 89.5 vs 51 days, P = 0.029). Abdominal pain was less severe in children taking probiotics during the second month (P < 0.05) and fourth month (P < 0.01). The 2 groups did not differ in the duration of abdominal pain, stool type, or absence from school. Both groups experienced significant reduction in the severity of abdominal pain from first to fourth month, with the reduction more prominent in the intervention group (P < 0.001 vs P = 0.004).
Conclusions:
Administration of L reuteri DSM 17938 was associated with a possible reduction of the intensity of pain and significantly more days without pain in children with FAP and IBS.
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