Probiotics in IBS: A Treatment Boon or a Pill Bulk: RCT-based Analysis

Irritable Bowel Disease is a functional Gastro-intestinal disorder that is characterised by chronic abdominal pain, and altered bowel habit unexplained by the organic cause.[1] Probiotics are live micro organisms that are intended to extend health benefits when consumed generally by improving gut microbiota.[2] The role of probiotics continues to be controversial in IBS. Here we are presenting a RCT based report of role of probiotics in IBS.

This is a single blinded RCT done on 72 cases of Irritable Bowel syndrome including 31 diarrhoea and 23 constipation predominant and 18 mixed manifestation. A drug containing probiotics organisms chiefly Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium and Streptococcus species was used against a placebo capsule containing inert powdered salt. A results were analysed using MS excel and medical softwares, SPSS and Medcalc.

Out of 36 pt in study groups 29 shows improvement among which 18 shows significant relief in symptoms. Relief in symptoms was transient. About 40% reported re-appearance of symptoms within 4 weeks of discontinuation of drug. Among the placebo group 9 out of 36 patients reported relief, and difference in results were statistically significant. Improvement in symptoms was seen in all the groups with varying degree of relief with maximum benefit in diarrhoea predominant group.

Although the origin of disease is functional there is a significant relief with probiotics. Probiotics are boon in treatment rather than financial burden on exhausted and frustrated patients who seeks relief for a better quality of life. References Chang L, Lembo A, Sultan S. American Gastroenterological Association Institute technical review on the pharmacological management of irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology 2014;147(5):1149-1172.e2. Shi LH, Balakrishnan K, Thiagarajah K, et al. Beneficial properties of probiotics. Trop Life Sci Res 2016;27(2):73-90.