[Probiotics in chronic inflammatory bowel disease]

Abstract

Current data show that probiotics are more effective in preventing the recrudescence of an inflammatory process than in suppressing active disease. This is reflected in the solid evidence for the effect of E. coli Nissle 1917 (Mutaflor) in the maintenance of remission of ulcerative colitis, and of VSL#3 in preventing the recurrence of pouchitis. These indications have since been incorporated in valid guidelines. Initial clinical studies have also provided promising results regarding the efficacy of VSL#3 in preventing pouchitis immediately following proctocolectomy.