Partially-hydrolyzed guar gum plus simethicone in patients with irritable bowel syndrome: a real-life survey

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common medical condition characterized by different phenotypes. Constipation and excessive gas production are prevalent in IBS patients, but diarrhea also frequently affects them. Conventional therapies do not modify the IBS natural history. However, a new medical device containing partially hydrolyzed gum guar (PHGG) and simethicone is currently on the market. The present real-life survey investigated this product in IBS patients.METHODS: A large number of Greek gastroenterologists (N.=114) enrolled an ample sample of IBS patients. For three months, patients took the compound (PHGG 5 g and simethicone 100 mg) one sachet daily. A questionary evaluated IBS symptoms (abdominal pain, distention, flatulence, constipation, diarrhea, urgent bowel movement, and incomplete bowel movement) scored on a seven-level scale. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks.RESULTS: The survey included 1190 patients (683 females and 507 males; mean age of 45.8 years). The medical device significantly reduced all symptoms (P<0.001). Constipation and gas-related symptoms (flatulence, distention, and abdominal pain) were the IBS complaints that obtained the highest reduction. The treatment was well tolerated and received high compliance (more than three-quarters took the product for more than 90 days as satisfied).CONCLUSIONS: This real-life survey demonstrated that PHGG plus simethicone could be suitable for managing IBS patients.