title: A controlled pilot study on the efficacy of a low dose antibiotic for the treatment of chronic constipation in patients receiving a high fiber diet.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In a previous uncontrolled experiment, oral vancomycin improved the symptoms (S) of chronic constipation (CC). The aim of this 21 day controlled pilot study was to determine if a low lincomycin dose improved the S of CC patients unresponsive to a high fiber diet.
  
  
  METHODS
  On days 0-to-10, patients were randomized to 500 mg oral lincomycin + high fiber (L + F) or to placebo + high fiber (P + F). Participants and patients were blinded. From days 10-to-21, patients were continued solely on the high fiber diet. The primary efficacy endpoint was the difference in S between L + F and P + F from days 0-to-21 using a visual analog scale (VAS) calibrated from 0 = severe S to 10 = asymptomatic.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The means of all S were significantly improved by L + F but not by P + F. A significant higher proportion of L + F patients increased the VAS > or = 3 points.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The initial course of L facilitated the effect of F probably by its effect on the colon flora. This sequence of flora-altering biologics + F may serve as model to replace chronic use of drugs.
authors: Instituto de Gastroenterología Dr Bustos Fernández Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina. lbustos@arnetbiz.com.ar
authors: Luis Maria
authors: LM
authors: Bustos Fernández
authors: Gastrointestinal Drugs and Pharmaceuticals, Miami Beach, Florida, USA.
authors: Robert
authors: R
authors: Prizont
authors: Servicio de Gastroenterología, CEMIC, Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas Norberto Quirno, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
authors: Luis Oscar
authors: LO
authors: Soifer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003248:Constipation / Q000628:therapy*; D004043:Dietary Fiber / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008034:Lincomycin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D004043:Dietary Fiber; D008034:Lincomycin