Table 3.
Changes in IBS severity assessed with the use of the IBS-SSS.
| Study Time Point/IBS Severity/Total IBS-SSS Score | Probiotic Group (n = 25) | Placebo Group (n = 23) | p-Values |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline | |||
| Severe | 4 (16.0%) | 7 (30.4%) | NS |
| Moderate | 21 (84.0%) | 16 (69.6%) | NS |
| Mild | 0 | 0 | |
| Total IBS-SSS | 339.6 ± 76.8 | 325.9 ± 50.7 | NS |
| 4 weeks | |||
| Severe | 4 (16.0%) | 6 (26.1%) | NS |
| Moderate | 15 (60.0%) | 15 (65.2%) | NS |
| Mild | 6 (24.0%) | 2 (8.7%) | NS |
| Total IBS-SSS | 235.4 ± 77.9 | 250.4 ± 60.9 | NS |
| 8 weeks | |||
| Severe | 0 | 2 (8.7%) | NS |
| Moderate | 10 (40.0%) | 14 (60.9%) | NS |
| Mild | 15 (60.0%) | 7 (30.4%) | 0.048 |
| Total IBS-SSS | 173.8 ± 60.9 | 220.3 ± 55.7 | 0.008 |
The results are shown as the numbers and proportions (in parentheses) of patients with different levels of IBS severity. Total IBS-SSS scores are presented as means ± SD. Statistical analyses were performed with Fisher’s exact test and RM Anova. p values < 0.05 represent statistically significant differences. NS = not significant.