Randomized study of probiotics in primary care. Issue 3 (18th June 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Patel, Jasmeeta; Curry, William J.; Graybill, Marie A.; Bernard, Shaina; McDermott, Anna S.; Karpa, Kelly
• Is Part Of: Journal of pharmaceutical health services research. Volume 5:Issue 3(2014:Sep.)
• Page Start: 187
• Page End: 190
• Publication Date: 2014-06-18
• Subjects: Pharmacy -- Research -- Periodicals; Drugs -- Research -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Research -- Periodicals; Public health -- Research -- Periodicals; Pharmaceutical industry -- Periodicals; Health Services Research -- Periodicals; Economics, Pharmaceutical -- Periodicals; 615.1072
• DOI: 10.1111/jphs.12059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-8885

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="jphs12059-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objectives</title> <p>Several studies have demonstrated that probiotics can be helpful in preventing antibiotic‐associated diarrhoea in <italic>hospitalized</italic> patients. However, the extent to which probiotics may benefit healthy adults taking a course of antibiotics has not been investigated in <italic>primary care</italic>. Furthermore, patient willingness to take a probiotic supplement concomitantly with antibiotics has not been explored. We aimed to conduct an exploratory study using probiotics in adults requiring an acute course of antibiotic therapy.</p> </sec> <sec id="jphs12059-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>Patients prescribed antibiotics for treatment of acute infections in an outpatient family practice setting were randomized to receive either a probiotic or placebo concurrently. Patients completed adherence diaries and daily symptom checklists to assess gastrointestinal and vaginal (women) symptoms and collect information about adherence.</p> </sec> <sec id="jphs12059-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Key findings</title> <p>During 179.5 h in which patients were actively recruited, 952 individuals sought care at the family practice clinic. Of these individuals, 124 were prescribed oral antibiotics; ultimately, 51 individuals met eligibility criteria, consented to participate and were randomized. Forty participants (78.4%) returned symptom diaries. No adverse effects were reported from probiotic use; however, adherence was better with the prescribed antibiotic regimen than with the study supplement (<italic>P</italic> = 0.0033).</p> </sec> <sec id="jphs12059-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>In our pilot study, probiotics were well tolerated, although no differences were detected in any gastrointestinal or vaginal symptoms between probiotic or placebo.</p> </sec> </abstract>