Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis With a Combination of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus and Lactobacillus Acidophilus.

Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis With a Combination of Lactobacillus Rhamnosus and Lactobacillus Acidophilus. A Randomised Placebo Controlled Trial

In this trial we test the hypothesis that a probiotic containing Lactobacillus acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus is an effective therapy for patients with ulcerative colitis.

In the recent years there has been an increasing interest in the relationship between the gastrointestinal flora and gut function. Several studies have shown promising results for the use of probiotics in patient with inflammatory bowel disease.

In this trial approximately 100 patients with ulcerative colitis will receive treatment with probiotic or placebo for 8 to 10 months as adjuvant therapy.

The trial is double-blind, randomised and controlled.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with known ulcerative colitis
• At least one prior flare of the disease
• Clinically and endoscopically active disease
• Age: 18 and above

Exclusion Criteria:

• Changes in azathioprine dosage within the last three months
• Patients with toxic megacolon, peritoneal reaction or severe colonic bleeding
• Known immunodeficiencies
• On-going infectious disease
• On-going treatment with NSAID or cholestyramine
• Pregnant og lactating women