Efficacy of Bifidobacterium Tetragenous Viable Bacteria Tablets for Cancer Patients with Functional Constipation

Abstract

<br/><b>Objective</b>: To investigate the efficacy and side effects of Bifidobacterium tetragenous viable bacteria tablets intreating cancer patients with functional constipation during chemotherapy. <br/><b>Methods</b>: A consecutive cohort of100 cancer patients with functional constipation were divided into two equal groups: patients in the experimentalgroup were given Bifidobacterium tetragenous viable bacteria tablets combined with chemotherapy, while patientsin the control group received chemotherapy alone. After 4 weeks, the efficacy and side effects in treating functionalconstipation were evaluated. <br/><b>Results</b>: Constipation in 48 patients in experimental group was controlled (9returned to normal), with a total response rate of 96%, and 1 patient reported diarrhea (2%). In contrast only16 patients in the control group demonstrated improvement and 34 were still constipated after chemotherapy,with a response rate of 32%. The difference in response rate was statistically significant (P <0.05). <br/><b>Conclusion</b>:This study suggested that Bifidobacterium tetragenous viable bacteria tablets are effective and safe in treatingcancer patients with functional constipation during chemotherapy.