Balsalazide and/or high-potency probiotic mixture (VSL#3) in maintaining remission after attack of acute, uncomplicated diverticulitis of the colon.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The role of probiotics in the treatment of diverticulitis is still not known. The aim of our study was to investigate whether balsalazide and/or VSL#3 is effective in preventing diverticulitis recurrence.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this pilot study, 30 consecutive patients (19 males, 11 females, mean age 60.1 years, range 47-75 years) affected by uncomplicated diverticulitis of the colon were monitored. After obtaining remission, the patients were randomly assigned to one of the following groups as follows: group A, balsalazide 2.25 g daily for 10 days every month plus VSL#3 450 billions/day for 15 days every month and group B, VSL#3 alone 450 billions/day for 15 days every month. Primary end-point was considered the maintaining of remission throughout a 12-month follow-up. Secondary end-points considered were (1) the assessment of the overall scores at the end of the follow-up and (2) the effects of the two different treatments with regards to every symptom assessed.

RESULTS/FINDINGS

One group A patient was withdrawn from the study at the 6th month and one group B patient was lost at the 6th month of follow-up. One group A patient (6.66%) showed relapse of symptoms at the 10th month of follow-up. At the end of follow-up, 11 patients were completely symptom-free (73.33%), whilst 2 patients complained of only mild, recurrent symptoms (13%). Two group B patients (13.33%) showed relapse of the disease at the 5th and 8th month of follow-up, respectively. At the end of follow-up, 8 patients were completely symptom-free (60%), 2 patients complained of mild, recurrent symptoms (13.33%), 1 patient (6.66%) complained of mild but continuous symptoms. No side effects were recorded throughout the follow-up in both groups.

INTERPRETATION/CONCLUSIONS

Combination probiotic/anti-inflammatory drug was found better than probiotic treatment in preventing relapse of uncomplicated diverticulitis of the colon, even if without statistical significance.