Efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri Probiotic in the Bowel Preparation Regimen of Children Candidates for Colonoscopy

Abstract

Objective

Bowel preparation can directly affect the final outcome of a colonoscopy. However, limited studies have been conducted regarding the effect of probiotics on intestinal preparation. Thus, the present study aims to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus reuteri probiotics in the bowel preparation regimen of children who are candidates for colonoscopy.

Methods and Materials

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, 84 colonoscopy candidate pediatric patients were enrolled. Patients were divided into two equal groups of 42 individuals. One group of patients underwent the bisacodyl, polyethylene glycol regimen 48 h before colonoscopy, as along with a placebo. The other group was administered L. reuteri 10 days before colonoscopy and also received bisacodyl and polyethylene glycol 48 h before the procedure. Then, the bowel preparation of the patients was assessed using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS).

Results

The mean age of patients in the placebo and probiotic groups was 94.1 ± 43.8 and 111.2 ± 48.8 months, respectively (p = 0.10). The preparation of the left colon was not significantly different between the placebo and probiotic groups (p = 0.075). The effect of L. reuteri probiotic on the preparation of the right colon was excellent in 18 patients (42.86%) and good in 17 patients (40.47%). The preparation of the right colon was significantly different between the placebo and probiotic groups (p = 0.007). Based on the results, there was a significant association between the consumption of L. reuteri and placebo in the preparation of the transverse colon (p = 0.015).

Conclusion

Probiotic pretreatment as part of bowel preparation significantly improves visualization of the colonic mucosa during colonoscopy.