Lactobacillus Reuteri DSM 17938 in Functional Constipation — LRFC  

Functional Constipation Clinical Trial

Official title: Effect of Lactobacillus Reuteri DSM 17938 on Gut Motility in Patients With Functional Constipation

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The diffusion of gastrointestinal (GI) chronic diseases is significantly increased during the last century in western countries. In the USA and Northern Europe, constipation is twofold the prevalence found in the East and Southern Europe. In Italy, constipation affects up to 15-17% of the whole adult population. Of them, more than half (about 10%) treats this disorder by assuming laxatives, while the remaining does not even assume drugs. A close relationship between intestinal environment and bacterial flora has been found. As a matter of fact changes in the intestinal physiology can modify the composition of bacterial flora as well as modifications in the intestinal microbiota can modify the physiology of the gut. The probiotic effects on the GI motility can be due to substances released by bacteria and/or products of their fermentation. Also, probiotic may indirectly act by the release of neuroendocrine factors and/or substances released by the immune system. Clinically, it has already been demonstrated that probiotics exert a positive effect on symptoms and intestinal habit in constipated IBS patients. In this framework, the idea to perform a long lasting intervention study in patients with functional constipation treated with probiotics sounds convincing. The present study is a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, monocentric study, concerning the evaluation of efficacy of 3 months administration of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 in patients with functional constipation, as defined by the Rome criteria. Clinical, physiological, hematological and immunologic variables will be evaluated.

Clinical Trial Description

n/a

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator), Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Constipation
• Functional Constipation

• NCT number: NCT01244945
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Azienda Ospedaliera Specializzata in Gastroenterologia Saverio de Bellis
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 4
• Start date: January 2011
• Completion date: January 2014