Efficacy of Probiotics in Management of Celiac Disease

Abstract

Objective The objective of this study was to interpret any rule of probiotics in the management of celiac disease and apply the results to improve the quality of life of patients with celiac disease if the result comes in favor of probiotics. Materials and methods It was a cross-sectional study conducted in the gastroenterology unit of Nishtar Medical University, Multan. A total of 170 children with celiac disease were enrolled in the study and divided into two groups (A and B) using a computer-generated table of random numbers. Group A was given only a gluten-free diet, while group B was given probiotics and a gluten-free diet. The efficacy of probiotics was measured in terms of reduction in stool frequency at the end of the 28 days of treatment. The data was recorded on the datasheet for every individual, and the statical analysis was performed using the Chi-square test. The patients were fully explained about the research purpose, and written consent was taken from them. Results The efficacy of probiotics in children with celiac disease was compared in both groups. Results showed a marked reduction in the frequency of stools to less than half, i.e., 90.59% (n=77) in group B and 63.53% (n=54) in group A. The Chi-Square test resulted in a p-value of 0.000027 showing a significant difference in both groups. Conclusion Probiotics are found to be highly efficient in terms of reduction in diarrhea in celiac disease. Probiotics will improve not only quality of life but also play an essential role in managing celiac disease.