ABSTRACT
Constipation is a common problem in elderly subjects. Probiotics have been suggested to improve intestinal motility and to reduce fecal enzyme activity. In this study, the effect of lactobacillus acidophilus tablets on elderly subjects was compared with placebo. Elderly subjects [n = 48] with chief complaint of constipation were enrolled in a randomly double-blind study. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: control group, receiving placebo every 8 hours for one month, and study group, receiving lactobacillus acidophilus tablet every 8 hours for one month. Subjects with lactose intolerance and other pathologic conditions were omitted. At the end of 4 weeks, all subjects were questioned on the relief of constipation and other symptoms. Response to treatment and complications were compared between the two groups. In subjects receiving lactobacillus acidophilus, 50%[13 subjects] responded well and had relief of constipation, 23.1%[6 subjects] showed relative response and 26.9%[7 subjects] did not respond. In subjects receiving placebo, 40% [6 subjects] had relief of constipation, 13.3% [2 subjects] responded relatively well and in 46.7% [7 subjects] no response was seen [p=0.388]. New signs were observed in 5 subjects [19.2%] receiving lactobacillus acidophilus and 1 subject [6.7%] receiving placebo. After 4 weeks, 2 subjects [7.7%] receiving lactobacillus acidophilus and 1 subject [6.7%] receiving placebo re-experienced constipation. Some relief of constipation could be observed with lactobacillus acidophilus tablets, but there was no significant difference between the two groups
Subject(s)
Humans , Constipation/drug therapy , Probiotics , Double-Blind Method , Aged , PlacebosABSTRACT
interferon and ribavirin is the most effective treatment for chronic hepatitis C today. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of thrice-weekly Heberon [interferon alfa-2b] in combination with ribavirin as first-line treatment of chronic hepatitis C.A total of 97 treatment-naive patients received Heberon three million units thrice-weekly subcutaneously in combination with ribavirin for 12 months. Serum HCV RNA levels were measured before and during therapy and 6 months after the end of therapy. End-of-treatment and sustained virological responses was defined as an undetectable HCV-RNA level at the end of treatment, and 6 months after treatment was completed [end of follow-up], respectively.In an intent-to-treat analysis, HCV-RNA was undetectable at the end of treatment in 49.5% of patients. At the end of follow-up, sustained virological response was 36.1%. Combination treatment was generally well tolerated. Six patients stopped therapy because of side effects: severe cytopenia [n=4], depression [n=1], and hyperthyroidism [n=1]. Common side effects of therapy include: Flu-like syndrome [85.6%], generalized alopecia [41.2%], injection site inflammation [37.1%], mood changes [36%], anorexia [34%] and weight loss [32%].Heberon as an IFN product in combination with ribavirin for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C is relatively safe, feasible, and potentially efficacious. It has comparable results in achieving end-of-treatment and sustained viro-logical responses in chronic hepatitis C