Lack of Benefit of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 as an Addition to the Treatment of Functional Constipation

J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2018 Dec;67(6):763-766. doi: 10.1097/MPG.0000000000002134.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17983 in the treatment of functional constipation in children. The trial was a single-center randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Patients were allocated into the 2 groups; intervention group which received L reuteri DSM 17983 and lactulose and placebo group which received placebo and lactulose. Due to small recruitment rate study was terminated prematurely; therefore, only 33 children (12 girls, median age 4.5 years, range 2-16) were randomized. There was no difference between groups in the stool frequency, stool consistency, pain, soiling rate and dose of the lactulose. This study found that L reuteri DSM 17938 adds no benefit to the treatment of constipation in children. Due to small sample size, these results, however, should be interpreted with caution.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01587846.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Constipation / microbiology*
  • Constipation / therapy*
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lactulose / therapeutic use*
  • Limosilactobacillus reuteri*
  • Male
  • Probiotics / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Lactulose

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT01587846