H. pylori: Lactobacillus GG reduced adverse effects from eradication therapy

Clinical bottom line (level 1b)

  1. Patients on H. pylori eradication therapy who took Lactobacillus GG compared with placebo were less likely to develop adverse effects.
Armuzzi et al: Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2001; 15 : 163-169
Expires January 2004

The study

Double-blinded ?concealed randomised trial with intention-to-treat
Setting: university hospital, Italy

60 patients healthy asymptomatic patients who were screen positive for H. pylori infection
Control Group: (n = 30, 30 analysed): placebo
Experimental Group: (n = , analysed): probiotic Lactobacillus GG bd for 14 days
All patients received eradication therapy using rabeprazole 20 mg bd, clarithromycin 500 gm bd, and tinidazole 500 mg bd for 1 week
100% followed for 2 weeks
Outcome notes:
  • any adverse effect : diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain

The evidence

Outcome Time to outcome CER EER RRR
(95% CI)		 ARR
(95% CI)		 NNT
(95% CI)
any adverse effect weeks 20
(66.7%)		 12
(40.0%)		 40%
(0% to 64%)		 26.7%
(2.34% to 51.0%)		 4
(2 to 43)

Citation

  1. Armuzzi A, Cremonini F, Bartolozzi F, et al: the effect of oral administration of Lactobacillus GG on antibiotic-associated gastrointestinal side-effects during Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2001; 15 : 163-169
Search Terms: from ACP Journal Club other articles noted
Contributor: Chris Ball, January 2002
Reviewer:

Clinical Question.
Patient H. pylori infection
Intervention or Exposure probiotic Lactobacillus GG with eradication therapy
Comparison placebo with eradication therapy
Outcome adverse effects