Liu, J., & Huang, X.E. (2014). Efficacy of bifidobacterium tetragenous viable bacteria tablets for cancer patients with functional constipation. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention, 15, 10241–10244. 

DOI Link

Study Purpose

To determine the efficacy and tolerance of using a probiotic to treat functional constipation in patients receiving chemotherapy

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

All patients received chemotherapy appropriate for their diagnosis. Patients were divided into two groups. The treatment group received, in addition to chemotherapy, Bifidobacterium tetragenous viable bacteria tablets three times a day for four weeks.

Sample Characteristics

  • N = 100  
  • MEDIAN AGE = 61.1 years
  • MALES: 68%, FEMALES: 32%
  • KEY DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Gastric and colorectal cancers
  • OTHER KEY SAMPLE CHARACTERISTICS: Overall Wexner score was between 0–10 (72%) and 11–20 (28%).

Setting

  • SITE: Single site  
  • SETTING TYPE: Not specified    
  • LOCATION: Jiangsu province, China

Phase of Care and Clinical Applications

  • PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment

Study Design

  • Patients were divided into two groups, experimental and control.

Measurement Instruments/Methods

  • Wexner constipation scoring system

Results

There was significant improvement of functional constipation (p < 0.05) with the use of four Bifidobacterium tetragenous viable bacteria tablets.

Conclusions

Probiotics may be beneficial for some patients receiving chemotherapy who suffer from functional constipation.

Limitations

  • Small sample (less than 100)
  • Risk of bias (no blinding)
  • Risk of bias (no random assignment)
  • Measurement validity/reliability questionable
  • There was no postintervention Wexner scores listed, although the authors stated that there was improvement in bowel function.

Nursing Implications

Additional research on the use of probiotics and a variety of chemotherapy regimens in patients with functional constipation needs to be completed.