Table 4.
Controlled trials of probiotics for the induction and maintenance of remission in adults with Crohn’s disease.
| Study | Study design | n | Regimen | Duration (months) | Outcomes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Induction of Remission | |||||
| [Schultz et al. 2004] | RCT | 11 | LGG 2 × 109 daily versus placebo (both with tapering steroids and antibiotics) | 6 | No difference in induction of remission |
| Maintenance of Remission | |||||
| [Malchow, 1997] | RCT | 28 | ECN × 1010 daily versus placebo | 12 | No significant difference |
| [Guslandi et al. 2000] | RCT | 32 | Saccharomyces boulargii 1g daily + mesalamine 1 g BID versus mesalamine 1 g TID | 6 | Probiotics with mesalamine superior in CDAI |
| [Schultz et al. 2004] | RCT | 11 | LGG 2 × 109 daily versus placebo (both with tapering steroids and antibiotics) | 6 | No difference in maintenance of remission |
| Prevention of Relapse Following Surgery | |||||
| [Prantera et al. 2002] | RCT | 45 | LGG 12 × 109 daily versus placebo | 12 | No difference |
| [Marteau et al. 2006] | RCT | 98 | Lactobacillus johnsonii LA1 4 × 109 daily versus placebo | 6 | No difference in recurrence |
| [Van Gossum et al. 2007] | RCT | 70 | Lactobacillus johnsonii LA1 1010versus placebo | 3 | No difference in endoscopic recurrence |
| [Chermesh et al. 2007] | RCT | 30 | Symbiotic 2000 versus placebo | 24 | No difference in endoscopic or clinical relapse rates |
RCT, randomized controlled trial; LGG, Lactobacillus GG; ECN, Escherichia coli Nissle 1917; SD, standard treatment; BID, twice daily; TID, three times daily; CDAI, Crohn's disease activity index.