The effects of probiotics on treatment of Helicobacter pylori eradication in children.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the eradication rates and side effects of probiotics added in standard triple therapy for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori).


METHODS
A prospective open study was performed in the outpatient clinics of the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Suleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey between March 2012 and May 2013. Sixty-one symptomatic children (range 7-18 years) with H. pylori infection were randomized to 2 groups: group 1 received standard triple therapy (lansoprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin for 14 days), group 2 received the standard triple therapy plus probiotics (Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Bifidobacterium lactis). Side effects of the drugs were recorded. The 14C-urea breath test was performed for 6 weeks after discontinuation of the therapy.


RESULTS
Helicobacter pylori infection was detected in 61 of 95 (64.2%) children. Fifty-six patients (38 girls and 18 boys) completed the study. Their mean age was 13.9 ± 2.7 years. Helicobacter pylori eradication rate was 68.9% in group 1, and 66.6% in group 2 (p=0.78). No statistically significant difference was observed between the 2 groups in terms of side effects.


CONCLUSIONS
We found no evidence in terms of eradication of H. pylori, or impact on adverse effects obtained after the addition of probiotics to standard treatment. Larger randomized controlled investigations are needed to clearly understand the effects of probiotics on H. pylori eradication.
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Süleyman Demirel University, Isparta, Turkey. E-mail. makcam32@gmail.com.
Mustafa
M
Akcam
Tugba
T
Koca
Hakan
H
Salman
Nermin
N
Karahan
D005260:Female; D016481:Helicobacter Infections / Q000382:microbiology / Q000628:therapy*; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019936:Probiotics