Lactobacillus probiotics for treating functional dyspepsia in children
Abstract: Functional dyspepsia
is a common gastrointestinal disorder in school-aged children, though, there is
no reliable treatment. Probiotics are live microorganisms administered in
adequate amounts to confer beneficial health effects on the host. Although
definitive evidence is lacking, several studies have found probiotics to be
effective for relieving symptoms of dyspepsia, particularly abdominal pain and
bloating.
Objective To determine the efficacy of lactobacillus probiotics for
treating functional dyspepsia in children.
Method A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was done from April to
June 2012 in five schools in the Pakpak Bharat Regency, North Sumatera. A total
of 116 children who fulfilled the Rome III criteria for functional dyspepsia
were randomized into 2 groups to receive either lactobacillus probiotics or
placebo for 2 weeks. All patients received a diary to record symptoms and
frequency of pain daily. The primary outcome for treatment was defined to be no
pain at the end of the intervention.
Results The probiotics and placebo groups were not significantly
different in recovery from functional dyspepsia (29.3% vs. 13.8%, respectively;
P=0.432). However, compared to the placebo group, the probiotics group had
significantly reduced frequency of pain (P=0.0001), but no significant differences
in pain severity (P=0.08) or pain duration (P 0.091).
Conclusion There are no significant differences in recovery from
functional dyspepsia, pain severity, or pain duration between the probiotics
and placebo groups. However, the probiotics group has significantly reduced
frequency of pain compared to that of the placebo group.
Author: Tuty Ahyani, Supriatmo
Supriatmo, Melda Deliana, Ade Rachmat Yudiyanto, Atan Baas Sinuhaji
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg160023
