Effect of probiotic preparation in preventing antibiotic associated diarrhea and colitis: a Clinical trial

Clostridium Difficile is the most common cause of antibiotic- associated diarrhea (AAD) and antibiotic associated colitis (AAC) in the hospital setting. In this Study, the preventive effect of Lactobacillus coagulance probiotic preparation was investigated on AAD and AAC. In this double blind randomized clinical trial study, 300 patients under antibiotics treatment according to our inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled to the study and randomly divided into two groups, case (tab probiotic, 100mg/day) and control group (placebo) from initial antibiotic administration till one week after termination of antibiotic consumption. All patients were trained about the signs of diarrhea and colitis. Colitis signs, incidence of diarrhea and its culture findings for the presence of the toxin of Clostridium difficile were recorded and compared between groups. Data were analyzed with appropriate statistical tests and using version 16 of SPSS statistical software. Antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD) was seen in 10 (6.6%) and 16 (%10.6) patients of case and control group respectively. There was no significant difference between groups in AAD incidence and positive stool exam regarding the presence of Clostridium difficile toxin. Colitis syndrome were develop in 34 (22.8%) and 86 (57%) patients of the probiotic and placebo group respectively that was significantly low in case group (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between probiotic group and placebo group in reducing AAD. But, consumption of Lactobacillus coagulance probiotic can reduce the incidence of antibiotic associated colitis.