Probiotics in acute pancreatitis – a randomised, placebo- controlled, double‑blind study

Czech version

Authors: J. Lata ¹; J. Juránková ²; O. Stibůrek ¹; V. Příbramská ¹; M. Šenkyřík ¹; T. Vaňásek ¹
Authors‘ workplace: Interní hepatogastroenterologická klinika Lékařské fakulty MU a FN Brno, pracoviště Bohunice, přednosta prof. MU Dr. Jan Lata, CSc., 2Oddělení klinické mikrobiologie FN Brno, pracoviště Bohunice, přednostka prim. MU Dr. Alena Ševčíková ¹
Published in: Vnitř Lék 2010; 56(2): 111-114
Category: Original Contributions

Overview

Introduction:
Infections accompanying pancreatitis, particularly pancreatic necroses, represent a serious complication associated with worsening of the disease prognosis. The aim of our study was to explore whether this complication could be prevented by administering a probiotic.

Methods:
The probiotic was administered to 7 patients and placebo to 15. The study was discontinued early following the release of the Propatria study results.

Results:
There was no death in our patient sample and there was no difference between the two groups in microbial colonisation or the length of hospitalization. However, a reduction in endotoxin levels on day 7 and 10 of the hospitalization was observed in the probiotic‑treated group.

Conclusion:
Based on the current knowledge, administration of probiotics in this indication is contraindicated. Nonetheless, reduction in endotoxin levels suggests a positive effect of probiotics on bacterial translocation, the importance of which should be evaluated in the future.

Key words:
acute pancreatitis – probiotics – endotoxin – bacterial translocation

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