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Published on: February 27, 2014
The clinical effects of probiotics for inflammatory bowel disease: A meta-analysis
Background:
As the exact pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not known, there is increasing evidence of clinical trials and animal models that indicate the beneficial effects of probiotics.
Methods:
Multiple databases were adopted to search for the relevant studies involving the comparison between probiotics and control groups. Review Manager 5.0 was used to assess the efficacy among included articles. Risk of bias for the articles included was also conducted.
Results:
Finally, 10 studies eventually met the inclusion criteria and 1049 patients were included. The meta-analyses showed that no significant differences of remission, relapse, and complication rate between Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 and mesalazine groups (RR = 0.94, 95%CI [0.86, 1.03], P = .21; RR = 1.04, 95%CI [0.82, 1.31], P = .77; RR = 1.12, 95%CI [0.86, 1.47], P = .39, respectively). Despite the fact that no significant differences of remission, relapse, and complication rate were observed in overall meta-analysis results between probiotics and placebo group, the subgroup analyses suggested that VSL#3 presented a higher remission rate and lower relapse rate (RR = 1.67, 95%CI [1.06, 2.63], P = .03; RR = 0.29, 95%CI [0.10, 0.83], P = .02, respectively).
Conclusion:
Some types of probiotics, such as E coli Nissle 1917 and VSL#3, could be used as alternative therapy for patients with IBD.
Insights
Probiotics like E coli Nissle 1917 and VSL#3 show potential as alternative therapies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While overall results were not significant, subgroup analysis indicated VSL#3 improved remission and reduced relapse rates in IBD patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Microbiology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- The precise cause of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains unknown.
- Emerging clinical trials and animal models suggest probiotics may offer therapeutic benefits for IBD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics as a treatment for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- To compare the effects of specific probiotics against conventional treatments and placebo.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases for relevant comparative studies.
- Meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager 5.0 to assess treatment efficacy.
- Risk of bias assessment was carried out for all included studies.
Main Results:
- Ten studies involving 1049 patients met the inclusion criteria.
- No significant differences in remission, relapse, or complication rates were found between Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 and mesalazine.
- Subgroup analysis revealed that VSL#3 significantly increased remission and decreased relapse rates compared to placebo.
Conclusions:
- Certain probiotics, including Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 and VSL#3, may serve as viable alternative therapies for IBD patients.
- VSL#3 demonstrates particular promise in improving clinical outcomes for IBD management.
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