Probiotics for induction of remission in ulcerative colitis

Breakthrough Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG bacteremia associated with probiotic use in an adult patient with severe active ulcerative colitis: case report and review of the literature

“…A recent Cochrane analysis concluded that there is no statistically significant difference between probiotics and mesalazine for maintenance of remission in UC, or in the incidence of adverse events [6]. In a previous analysis, no statistically significant differences were observed between probiotics and placebo in combination with conventional therapy in induction of remission or clinical improvement rates in patients with mild to moderate UC [7]. Zocco et al [8] reported no differences in relapse rates at 6 and 12 months in patients treated with L. rhamnosus GG (18 × 10 9 cfu/day) alone or in combination with mesalazine vs. mesalazine alone as maintenance treatment in quiescent UC, although the probiotic appeared to be more effective in prolonging the relapse-free time.…”

The Probiotic Preparation, VSL#3 Induces Remission in Patients With Mild-to-Moderately Active Ulcerative Colitis

“…18 -22 However, Cochrane review of the 4 available studies did not find a significant effect of probiotics in the induction of remission of UC. 23 In 2 small recent studies, VSL#3 has been reported to achieve remission/response in children with mild to moderate UC. 24,25 Although there is growing data on the efficacy of VSL#3, there is a lack of a large randomized, placebo-controlled trial in the management of mild-to-moderately active UC.…”

“…11 Probiotics have been used for induction of remission, maintenance of remission of UC, and maintenance of remission of pouchitis. [12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25][26] Probiotic preparations such as E coli Nissle 1917 and bifidobacterium-fermented milk have been found to be effective in maintenance of remission of UC. 12 In 2 randomized controlled trials, VSL#3 has been shown to be highly effective in maintenance of remission of pouchitis.…”

Gut Microbiota and Inflammatory Bowel Disease

“…Limited evidence suggests that probiotics added to standard therapy may provide modest benefits in terms of reduction of disease activity in patients with mild-to-moderately severe ulcerative colitis. The role of probiotics in patients with severe and more extensive disease or as an alternative to existing therapies is unknown [13]. …”