Evaluation of the Efficacy of Probiotics (MCP® BCMC® Strains) Treating Constipation in Elderly Patients with Multiple Chronic Co-Morbidities: A Randomized Control Trial.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the impact of a microbial cell preparation (MCP®) (Hexbio®; comprising MCP® BCMC® strains) on stool frequency, consistency, and constipation-related symptoms in elderly patients with multiple chronic medical conditions.

DESIGN

Randomised control trial.

SETTING

Medical outpatient and medical/surgical in-patient unit in single tertiary center.

PARTICIPANT

Patients aged ≥ 60 years who experience constipation and have multiple chronic medical conditions.

METHODS

Participants with constipation were blindly randomized into either a treatment (MCP® BCMC® strains) or a placebo group. The treatment was administered twice daily.

MEASUREMENT

Gastrointestinal symptoms and stool habits were assessed over a week during the intervention via the use of a questionnaire and stool diary.

RESULTS

Stool frequency was seen to be higher and the improvement in stool consistency was more significant in the treatment group than in the placebo group (p =<0.001). A significant improvement in symptoms was demonstrated in patients who received MCP® BCMC® strains,specifically with respect to straining (p = < 0.001) and a sensation of incomplete evacuation (p = < 0.001). reduction in anorectal blockage symptoms and the need for manual stool evacuation was also demonstrated, but this finding was not statistically significant. Significant adverse events were not observed.

CONCLUSIONS

An improvement in stool frequency and consistency was reported in elderly patients with chronic medical conditions following the administration of MCP® BCMC® strains.