The Effect of Probiotics on Constipation Stroke Patients Admitted to ICU

Objectives Constipation is a predominant gastrointestinal problem after the onset of stroke, which may increase intracranial pressure. Treatment of constipation includes using laxatives and fibers, which is associated with complications and limitations. Regarding the effect of probiotics to treat digestive problems, the current study aimed at investigating the effect of probiotics on constipation in the patients with stroke admitted to Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Methods The current randomized clinical trial was conducted on 65 patients with stroke. Patients with nasal-gastric tube and absence of rejection in 3 consecutive days were enrolled to the study. They were randomly divided into 2 groups of intervention (n=33) and control (n=32); the frequency of their bowel movements were measured before the study. Subjects in the intervention group received a probiotic supplement every 12 hours; however, the ones in the control group received the only routine conventional treatment for a week. After a week, all subjects were assessed for the improvement of constipation. Data were analyzed by SAS software version 9.1 using Poisson regression model.
Results In the intervention group, the mean number of bowel movements was more than once a day, 1.22, and in the control group it was 0.62 (PConclusion The current study showed that probiotic supplement consumption increased the frequency of constipation in patients with stroke. Therefore, probiotics can be used to treat constipation in such patients.