The use of Lactobacillus GG in irritable bowel syndrome in children: a double-blind randomized control trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether oral administration of the probiotic Lactobacillus GG under randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled conditions would improve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in children.


METHODS
Fifty children fulfilling the Rome II criteria for IBS were given Lactobacillus GG or placebo for 6 weeks. Response to therapy was recorded and collected on a weekly basis using the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS).


RESULTS
Lactobacillus GG was not superior to placebo in relieving abdominal pain (40.0% response rate in the placebo group vs 44.0% in the Lactobacillus GG group; P=.774). There was no difference in the other gastrointestinal symptoms, except for a lower incidence of perceived abdominal distention (P=.02 favoring Lactobacillus GG).


CONCLUSIONS
Lactobacillus GG was not superior to placebo in the treatment of abdominal pain in children with IBS but may help relieve such symptoms as perceived abdominal distention.
Bauserman
Melissa
M
Department of Pediatrics, Wright State University School of Medicine and The Children's Medical Center, Dayton, Ohio 45404, USA.
Bausserman
Melissa
M
Department of Pediatrics, Wright State University School of Medicine and The Children's Medical Center, Dayton, Ohio 45404, USA.
Michail
Sonia
S
D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000145:classification / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D007778:Lactobacillus; D008297:Male; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012720:Severity of Illness Index