DR DIVYA VASIREDDY,DR RAHUL RAJ C.L,DR KHALILUR RAHMAN,DR DAKSHAY CHORDIA,DR.J. JEEVARATHAN
DOI: https://doi.org/Background:
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used to manage gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, and related disorders. Recent studies have raised concerns about PPIs' impact on gut microbiota and their potential side effects. Probiotics, known for their health benefits in gastrointestinal disorders, may counteract these adverse effects by restoring microbial balance. This study investigates the efficacy of combining PPI therapy with probiotics in treating non-infective gastric ulcers.
Methods:
This retrospective study included 60 patients diagnosed with non-infective gastric ulcers. Patients were divided into two groups: one received PPI monotherapy (n=30), and the other received a combination of PPI and probiotics (n=30). The primary outcome was the time taken for symptom resolution, while secondary outcomes included the incidence of complications such as diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, ulcer recurrence, and the need for additional medications. Statistical analysis was performed to compare outcomes between the two groups.
Results:
The study found that the addition of probiotics to PPI therapy significantly reduced the time to symptom resolution. The mean time for symptom relief in the PPI + probiotics group was 11.8 days, compared to 14.5 days in the PPI monotherapy group (p = 0.02). No significant differences were observed in the incidence of complications between the two groups, indicating that the combination therapy did not increase the risk of adverse effects.
Conclusion:
Adding probiotics to PPI therapy enhances the treatment of non-infective gastric ulcers by significantly reducing the time to symptom resolution without increasing the risk of complications. These findings suggest that probiotics could be a valuable adjunct to PPI therapy, improving patient outcomes and addressing issues associated with prolonged PPI use. However, further prospective, randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these results and refine treatment protocols.