Authors: Gupta P, Andrew H, Kirschner BS, Guandalini S.

Institution: Section of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Chicago Children's Hospital, Illinois 60637, USA.

Background: Lactobacillus GG is a safe probiotic bacterium known to transiently colonize the human intestine. It has been found to be useful in treatment of several gastrointestinal conditions characterized by increased gut permeability. In the current study, the efficacy of Lactobacillus GG was investigated in children with Crohn's disease.

Conclusions: Findings in this pilot study show that Lactobacillus GG may improve gut barrier function and clinical status in children with mildly to moderately active, stable Crohn's disease. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are warranted for a final assessment of the efficacy of Lactobacillus GG in Crohn's disease.

Study link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=11045848&query_hl=25&itool=pubmed_docsum

• Is Lactobacillus GG Helpful in Children with Crohn's Disease? Results of a Preliminary, Open-Label Study