Efficacy of Lactobacillus paracasei sub. paracasei F19 on abdominal symptoms in patients with symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease: a pilot study

AIM: The standard therapeutic approach for symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (DD) remains to be defined, and only a few studies have tested the efficacy of probiotics in these patients. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic uncomplicated DD were randomized to a control arm, i.e., (group A, [N.=16], high-fibre diet alone), or to Group B ([n=18], twice daily 1 sachet of probiotic + high-fibre diet), or group C ([N.=16], twice daily 2 sachets of probiotic + high-fibre diet). The probiotic Genefilus F19© containing Lactobacillus paracasei sub. paracasei F19 was administered for 14 days/month for 6 months. The primary endpoint under consideration was a decrease in abdominal pain and bloating intensity after treatment. RESULTS: Bloating decreased significantly in Groups B and C VAS score group B: 4.6 ± 2.6 vs. 2.3 ± 2.0, P24 hours reported the recurrence of this symptom, while the 3 group A patients reported at least one episode (P=0.016). No significant difference regarding abdominal pain