Abstract
BackgroundAbout 30% of constipated children continue to struggle with constipation beyond puberty. Growing interest has recently raised on the use of probiotics as complementary therapy for FC, in order to prevent the possible PEG-related intestinal dysbiosis. Our study aimed at evaluating the effect on childhood FC of a probiotic mixture (PM), including Bifidobacteria breve M-16 V®, infantis M-63®, and longum BB536®.MethodsFifty-five consecutive children suffering from FC were randomly assigned into two groups: group A received a daily oral combination of PEG plus PM and group B received oral PEG only. Physical and clinical data were collected from each patient at week-1, week-2, week-4, and week-8.ResultsAfter 1 month, children who experienced improvement in the PEG and in the PEG + PM group were 88 and 81.8%, respectively (p = 0.24). After 1 month from the end of the study treatment, a positive trend towards a higher rate of clinical remission was observed within children treated with PM compared to those who took only PEG (percentage of children off therapy: 64 vs 52, respectively; p = 0.28).ConclusionsPEG and PEG + PM are equally effective and safe in the treatment of children with chronic constipation. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to show if adding Bifidobacteria strains to conventional therapy may lead to a better long-term outcome.
Highlights
About 30% of constipated children continue to struggle with constipation beyond puberty
The main aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a probiotic mixture (PM), including Bifidobacteria breve, infantis, and longum added to oral polyethylene glycol (PEG) compared to the traditional therapy with PEG alone on childhood Functional constipation (FC)
Compliance rates are of paramount importance since patient acceptance is a crucial factor for successful long-term resolution of constipation. In conclusion, this prospective, randomized, controlled trial showed that adding a mixture of B. breve, B. infantis and B. longum to PEG as complementary therapy for childhood FC confers no additional short-term effect on the main complained symptoms
Summary
About 30% of constipated children continue to struggle with constipation beyond puberty. Growing interest has recently raised on the use of probiotics as complementary therapy for FC, in order to prevent the possible PEG-related intestinal dysbiosis. Our study aimed at evaluating the effect on childhood FC of a probiotic mixture (PM), including Bifidobacteria breve M-16 V®, infantis M-63®, and longum BB536®. Functional constipation (FC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in childhood, with a reported prevalence of 3% in Western countries [1]. The recommended treatment for FC includes a combination of dietary interventions, toilet training and oral laxatives [3]. Russo et al Italian Journal of Pediatrics (2017) 43:24 puberty [11]. Growing interest has recently raised on the use of probiotics as complementary therapy for FC. Modulating the GI flora, as a means of improving symptoms and increasing PEG efficacy, may possibly be an attractive treatment option
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