The effect of probiotics on fecal calprotectin of patients with cystic fibrosis

Background - Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common autosomal recessive disorder with different clinical manifestations, mainly in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. This study was performed to access the effect of probiotic in status of intestinal inflammation in a group of children with CF by measuring the calprotectin level of the fecal samples. Methods - Forty seven patients with CF were enrolled in this study. The fecal calprotectin levels were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. In a randomized systematic method, the children divided into two groups; one received probiotic powder and another received placebo for 4 weeks. After this period, the fecal calprotectin was re-measured. Findings - Thirty one of 47 enrolled patients (65.9%) had abnormal fecal calprotectin levels (>50g/g). After intervention, the fecal calprotectin levels decreased in just 29 patients that 21 patients were in the drug group, while only 8 patients were in the placebo group (P<0.001). Conclusion - This study showed that about two third of patients with CF had intestinal inflammation based on fecal calprotectin levels, while probiotic administration could decrease calprotectin concentrations and subsequently intestinal inflammation in CF patients.