Impact of a Daily Probiotic (Lactobacillus casei Shirota) for 12 Months on the Frequency of Diverticulitis Episodes: Feasibility Study in Primary Care.

Background:Some small secondary care studies have shown benefits from taking probiotics in diverticular disease. We investigated the feasibility of conducting a year-long probiotic study in primary care. Methods:Patients (n=21) with a past history of uncomplicated acute diverticulitis but not currently taking antibiotics were recruited from four general practices. Subjects were asked to take the daily probiotic drink YakultÒ. Probiotic effects were assessed by comparing clinically diagnosed diverticulitis attacks in the 6 months prior to probiotic intervention with the 0-6 and 6-12 month periods after probiotic intervention commenced. Effects on gastrointestinal symptoms were assessed by validated questionnaires at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Diet diaries were also completed. Results: Two thirds (14/21) of subjects who demonstrated good adherence in taking the daily probiotic improved symptomatically (p=0.025). Clinical presentations with diverticulitis were down 50% during the study period compared with the 12 months period before (7 vs 14 cases; p=0.021). The mean change in gastrointestinal symptom score improved significantly (p