Meta-analysis: the effect of supplementation with probiotics on eradication rates and adverse events during Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy.
BACKGROUND
Recent evidence found probiotics could inhibit Helicobacter pylori colonization from both in vitro and in vivo studies.


OBJECTIVE
To systematically evaluate whether adding probiotics to anti-H. pylori regimens could improve eradication rates and reduce side effects during anti-H. pylori treatment.


METHODS
Eligible articles were identified by searches of electronic databases. We included all randomized trials comparing probiotics supplementation to placebo or no treatment during anti-H. pylori regimens. Statistical analysis was performed with Review Manager 4.2.8. Subanalysis/Sensitivity analysis was also performed.


RESULTS
We identified 14 randomized trials (n = 1671). Pooled H. pylori eradication rates were 83.6% (95% CI = 80.5-86.7%) and 74.8% (95% CI = 71.1-78.5%) for patients with or without probiotics by intention-to-treat analysis, respectively, the odds ratio (OR) was 1.84 (95% CI = 1.34-2.54); the occurrence of total side effects were 24.7% (95% CI = 20.0-29.4%) and 38.5% (95% CI = 33.0-44.1%) for groups with or without probiotics, especially for diarrhoea, the summary OR was 0.44 (95% CI = 0.30-0.66).


CONCLUSIONS
Our review suggests that supplementation with probiotics could be effective in increasing eradication rates of anti-H. pylori therapy, and could be considered helpful for patients with eradication failure. Furthermore, probiotics show a positive impact on H. pylori therapy-related side effects.
Tong
J L
JL
Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
Ran
Z H
ZH
Shen
J
J
Zhang
C X
CX
Xiao
S D
SD
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000188:drug therapy; D016480:Helicobacter pylori; D006801:Humans; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004338:Drug Combinations