Clinical efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii as an adjuvant to triple therapy in eradication of Helicobacter pylori

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the potential activity ofSaccharomyces boulardii as an adjuvant to triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection,so as to forecast the probable effectiveness of Saccharomyces boulardii in the eradication of Helicobacter pylori and the adverse reaction.Methods A total of 120 patients who received gastroscopy and tested positive for Helicobacter pylori infection were divided into standard triple therapy group and Saccharomyces boulardii group with 60 cases each by random digits table method.Patients were randomized to receive one week standard triple therapy,supplemented with Saccharomyces boulardii in Saccharomyces boulardii group.Saccharomyces boulardii was taken 500 mg per day for one week.All adverse reactions were recorded during the treatment period.13C or 14C urea breath test was performed at four weeks after the end of triple therapy to evaluate the situation of Helicobacter pylori eradication.Results Helicobacter pylori eradication rate in Saccharomyces boulardii group was higher than that in standard triple therapy group [80.00％ (48/60) vs.73.33％ (44/60)],but there was no significant difference (P =0.542).Five adverse reactions including epigastric discomfort,nausea,diarrhea,taste disorder and liver injury were recorded during the treatment period.The incidence of adverse reactions such as epigastric discomfort and diarrhea in Saccharomyces boulardii group was significantly lower than that in standard triple therapy group [13.33％ (8/60)vs.43.33％(26/60),3.33％(2/60) vs.26.67％(16/60)],and there was significant difference (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Saccharomyces boulardii as an adjuvant to triple therapy can not improve Helicobacter pylori eradication rate,but can decrease the incidence of adverse reactions during the treatment period and improve the complicance of Helicobacter pylori eradication treatment. Key words: Helicobacter pylori;  Probiotics;  Saccharomyces boulardii;  Eradication rate