DOI: 10.4103/ds.ds-d-24-00136 ISSN: 1027-8117
Evaluation of the effect of adding probiotic supplementation in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria
Pelin Kuteyla Can, Utkan Kızıltaç, Kübra Cüre, Ralfi Singer, Ece Nur Degirmentepe, Emek Kocaturk Abstract
Background:
Altered microbiota has been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). However, studies showing the effects of probiotic supplementation in CSU are scarce.
Objectives:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of oral probiotic supplementation (Lactobacillus reuteri) in patients with CSU.
Methods:
This was a prospective, nonrandomized, parallel group, and controlled study. Oral probiotic supplementation (L. reuteri ATCC 55730 1 × 108 CFU) and a single dose of ebastine were introduced to 30 CSU patients, whereas a control group of 30 CSU patients received only a single dose of ebastine. Treatment responses, symptom control, and quality of life (QoL) were evaluated with Urticaria Activity Score 7 (UAS7), Physicians’ Global Assessment Visual Analog Score (PhyGA-VAS), and Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire (CU-Q2oL) at weeks 0, 2, and 4.
Results:
There were significant decreases in the UAS7 and CU-Q2oL and increases in PhyGA-VAS both in the probiotic group and control group at weeks 2 and 4 (P < 0.05; for all). The changes in the UAS7, CU-Q2oL, and PhyGA-VAS were significantly higher in the probiotic group than in the control group (P = 0.026; P = 0.001; and P = 0.004). The number of responders was significantly higher in the probiotic group than in the control group (83.3% vs. 50%, P = 0.006). Complete response and significant clinical improvement were observed in 9 (30%) and 20 (66.7%) patients in the probiotic group and 6 (20%) and 12 (40%) patients in the control group, respectively. High levels of total immunoglobulin E (≥100 IU/mL) were more frequent in probiotic nonresponders than in probiotic responders.
Conclusion:
Probiotics, when added to the standard therapy may improve the symptoms as well as the QoL scores in the treatment of CSU.