Is Bifidobacterium breveeffective in the treatment of childhood constipation? Results from a pilot study

Abstract

BackgroundProbiotics are increasingly used in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Studies in constipated adults with a Bifidus yoghurt (containing Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus) showed a significant increase in defecation frequency. The aim of this pilot study was to determine if Bifidobacterium breve is effective in the treatment of childhood constipation.MethodsChildren, 3 to 16 years of age, with functional constipation according to the Rome III criteria were eligible for this study. During 4 weeks, children received one sachet of powder daily, containing 108- 1010 CFU Bifidobacterium breve. Furthermore, children were instructed to try to defecate on the toilet for 5-10 minutes after each meal and to complete a standardized bowel diary daily. The primary outcome measure was change in defecation frequency. Secondary outcome measures were stool consistency using the Bristol stool scale frequency of episodes of faecal incontinence, pain during defecation, frequency of abdominal pain, frequency of adverse effects (nausea, diarrhoea and bad taste), and frequency of intake of bisacodyl.ResultsTwenty children (75% male, mean age 7.4) were included in this pilot study. The defecation frequency per week significantly increased from 0.9 (0-2) at baseline to 4.9 (0-21) in week 4 (p < 0.01). The mean stool consistency score increased from 2.6 (2-4) at baseline to 3.5 (1-6) in week 4 (p = 0.03). The number of faecal incontinence episodes per week significantly decreased from 9.0 (0-35) at baseline to 1.5 (0-7) in week 4 (p < 0.01). Abdominal pain episodes per week significantly decreased from 4.2 (0-7) at baseline to 1.9 (0-7) in week 4 (p = 0.01). No side effects occurred.ConclusionBifidobacterium breve is effective in increasing stool frequency in children with functional constipation. Furthermore it has a positive effect with respect to stool consistency, decreasing the number of faecal incontinence episodes and in diminishing abdominal pain. A randomized placebo controlled trial is required to confirm these data.

Probiotics

“…Unfortunately, study results are contradictory. In an open trial, B. breve was effective in increasing stool frequency in children with functional constipation [97]. Furthermore it had a positive effect with respect to stool consistency, decreasing the number of fecal incontinence episodes and in diminishing abdominal pain [97].…”

“…In an open trial, B. breve was effective in increasing stool frequency in children with functional constipation [97]. Furthermore it had a positive effect with respect to stool consistency, decreasing the number of fecal incontinence episodes and in diminishing abdominal pain [97]. In another open trial, a probiotic mixture (Ecologic Relief®) containing B. bifidum, B. infantis, B. longum, L. casei, L. plantarum and L. rhamnosus showed positive effects on symptoms of constipation [98].…”

Efficacy of Bifidobacterium Tetragenous Viable Bacteria Tablets for Cancer Patients with Functional Constipation

“…(Sabikhi et al, 2013;Xu et al, 2013). It has effects of anti-infection, anti-tumor, enhancing immunity, synthesizing multivitamins, promoting the absorption of nutrients, removing toxins and runchang catharsis (Tabbers et al, 2011;Sabikhi et al, 2013). Bifidobacterium can ferment oligosaccharides to produce acetic acid and lactose, stimulate peristalsis, push the stool continuously and finally excreted.…”

Efectos Clínicos De Los Probióticos: Qué Dice La Evidencia

“…También, se ha comprobado que el L. casei rhamnosus Lcr35 y el Bifidobacterium breve, pueden ser benéficos (67,68). El Bifidobacterium breve, incrementa la frecuencia de las evacuaciones, mejora la consistencia de las heces y disminuye el dolor abdominal en niños con estreñimiento funcional (69).…”

“…En adultos el consumo de yogur con una mezcla de probióticos Bifidobacterium breve, Bifidobacterium bifidum and Lactobacillus acidophilus ha demostrado un significativo aumento en la frecuencia de las evacuaciones (67).…”