Effects of probiotic-containing yogurt on second-line triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection

Abstract

Introduction The adjuvant effects of probiotic-containing yogurt on second-line triple therapy for H. pylori infection have not been evaluated. Methods Three hundred and thirty-seven patients with persistent H. pylori infection, after fi rst-line triple therapy, were randomly assigned to receive either triple therapy with (yogurt group, n = 151) or without Will yogurt (control group, n = 186). Triple therapy consisted of moxifl oxacin, amoxicillin, and esomeprazole for 14 days. Will yogurt contains L. acidophilus, L. casei, B. longum, and S. thermophilus. H. pylori eradication was evaluated by the 13C-urea breath test (UBT), and excess 13CO2/12CO2 ratio (ECR) values were calculated. The adverse event rates were also assessed. Results The intention-to-treat eradication rates and per-protocol eradication rates were 66.7%/68.9% and 78.5%/86.0% in the control/yogurt group, respectively. There was no statistical signifi cance. The adverse event rates were 25.3%/28.5% in the control/yogurt group, respectively (P = 0.508). The negative correlation between the pre-treatment ECR values of the UBT and the magnitude of the decrease in the ECR value after treatment was stronger in the yogurt group (Pearson Correlation = −0.862, P < 0.001) than in the control group (Pearson Correlation = −0.634, P < 0.001). Conclusions The addition of probiotic-containing yogurt to second-line treatment might suppress H. pylori even though it was not associated with a signifi cant eradication benefit.