The effect of non-pathogenic Escherichia coli in symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease of the colon.
BACKGROUND
The effect of probiotics in symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease of the colon has not been followed.


METHODS
Treatment (T1) with an intestinal antimicrobial (dichlorchinolinol) and absorbent (active coal tablets) was compared with the same set-up supplemented with non-pathogenic Escherichia coli(T2) in a prospective open trial.


METHODS
The study was performed at the outpatient department of a tertiary centre.


METHODS
Fifteen subjects (5 males, 10 females) aged 68-91 years (average 74.8 years) presented with abdominal pain, irregular defecation, bloating and excessive flatulence. Diagnosis was established with colonoscopy, double-contrast barium enema, or both.


METHODS
The T1 regimen was administered for 1 week. In the T2 regimen, the application of E. coli strain Nissle (Mutaflor capsules, 2.5 x 10(10) viable bacteria/capsule) followed immediately after T1 for an average of 5.2 weeks.


METHODS
The lengths of two successive remissions with the T1 set-up were compared with the length of remission after T2. The intensity of symptoms before and after administration of the probiotic was also evaluated. RESULTS The lengths of two successive remissions after T1 amounted to 2.66 and 2.20 months (average 2.43 months). The average length of remission after T2 was 14.1 months (P < 0.001). All symptoms after T2 decreased significantly (P < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Non-pathogenic strain Nissle significantly prolonged the remission period and improved the abdominal syndrome in symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease. A randomized, placebo-controlled study is recommended.
Fric
Pruemysl
P
Second Department of Medcine, Central Military Hospital and Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic. fricprem@uvn.cz
Zavoral
Miroslav
M
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004241:Diverticulum, Colon / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D004926:Escherichia coli; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012074:Remission Induction; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents