Ter Arkh. 2025 Aug 28;97(8):660-667. doi: 10.26442/00403660.2025.08.203301.
ABSTRACT
AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of combination therapy with rifaximin and Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 versus rifaximin monotherapy in patients with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) associated with long-term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective comparative study with two parallel groups was conducted. Eligible patients were those on continuous long-term PPI therapy (> 3 months) with confirmed SIBO. SIBO was diagnosed in all patients using a lactulose Hydrogen/Methane Breath Test (HMBT). Symptom severity was assessed using the validated «7 × 7» Questionnaire, and Quality of Life (QoL) was evaluated using the SF-36 Health Status Survey. Enrolled patients were randomized into two groups based on a 7-day treatment regimen: Group 1 received rifaximin (400 mg twice daily); Group 2 received rifaximin (400 mg twice daily) plus the probiotic Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 (Enterol® drug product, Biocodex, France; 500 mg twice daily). SIBO eradication was confirmed via repeat lactulose HMBT, and symptom severity/QoL were reassessed 4 weeks after treatment completion.
RESULTS: 108 patients were enrolled (mean age 38.7 ± 8.9 years; 65.7% female). Mean PPI treatment duration at enrollment was 4.81 months (95% confidence interval 4.15-5.46). At 4-week follow-up, repeat lactulose HMBT showed SIBO persistence in 41.5% of Group 1 (n = 22/53) versus 21.8% in Group 2 (n = 12/55; p = 0.038). Statistically significant resolution of diarrhea was observed only in Group 2 (p = 0.033). The final median «7 × 7» Questionnaire score was significantly lower in Group 2 (p = 0.0010). Both groups showed significant trends toward QoL improvement on the SF-36 survey.
CONCLUSION: This prospective comparative study demonstrates that combination therapy with rifaximin and Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 appears more effective than rifaximin monotherapy for SIBO eradication, symptom regression, and QoL improvement in patients with PPI-associated SIBO.
PMID:40884341 | DOI:10.26442/00403660.2025.08.203301
