[Treatment of IBS with Lactobacillus plantarum 299v: Therapeutic success increases with length of treatment - real-life data of a non-interventional study in Germany].

2021-02
Zeitschrift fur Gastroenterologie 59(02)
- Heiner Krammer
- Martin Storr
- Ahmed Madisch
- Julia Riffel

PubMed: 33556972
DOI: 10.1055/a-1340-0204

Introduction

The treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in clinical practice is frequently challenging. Modulation of the intestinal microbiome as a treatment option is becoming more and more important. The effectiveness of a bacterial strain, Lactobacillus plantarum 299v (LP299V), was previously investigated in placebo-controlled clinical trials in patients with IBS over 4 weeks. The aims of the present non-interventional study were therefore to investigate tolerability and effectiveness of LP299V under everyday conditions and to gain information on long-term treatment.

Methods

Data on tolerability and effectiveness of LP299V (1 capsule/day; 1 × 10¹⁰ CFU) were prospectively collected in 25 centers in 221 patients with IBS. The maximal treatment duration was 12 weeks. The survey was carried out using symptom diaries and medical assessments. Changes in frequency and severity of symptoms were compared to baseline and defined the primary endpoint.

Results

During the 12-week treatment, a significant and continuous reduction of overall symptom score (p < 0.05) was observed. In addition, a significant reduction of severity (S) and frequency (H) of individual symptoms, such as abdominal pain (S: - 67 %, H: - 51 %), flatulence (S: - 61 %, H: - 63 %), diarrhea (S: - 70 %, H: - 32 %) and constipation (S: - 79 %, H: - 6 %) was observed. Urgency and feeling of incomplete evacuation were significantly decreased (p < 0.001). Additionally, quality of life increased significantly (mental well-being: + 110 %, influence on everyday life: -67 %, p < 0.01). Self-assessment identified that long-term treatment with LP299V was tolerated well by 94 % of patients.

Conclusion

In real life, LP299V significantly alleviates the global symptoms of IBS in patients. In order to achieve the maximum effect, long-term use of LP299V (as here 12 weeks) appears to be indicated and is well tolerated.

Research Insights

Supplement	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size
Lactobacillus plantarum 299v	Improved Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms	Beneficial	Large
Lactobacillus plantarum 299v	Improved Quality of Life	Beneficial	Moderate
Lactobacillus plantarum 299v	Improved Tolerance	Beneficial	Moderate