Nutritional management with serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin benefits refractory IBS-D patients

For patients with refractory diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome, nutritional management with serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin/protein isolate, a prescription medical food, effectively improved their symptoms, according to data presented at the AGA’s 2015 James W. Freston Conference in Chicago.

Follow-up in previous studies of serum-derived bovine immunoglobulin (SBI) for IBS-D was limited to 4 to 6 weeks, so researchers performed a single-center, retrospective chart review of 28 refractory IBS-D patients (16 female; mean age, 64 years) who received 5 g SBI per day for 16 weeks. Patients rated symptom management by a 4-point Likert scale at least once per month throughout the treatment period.

Mean Likert score at the end of the treatment period was 2.4 (moderate to significant symptom management), and 23 patients reported at least a moderate management compared with five who reported minimal or no management. “This is statistically significant (Chi-squared = 11.571; P = .0007) compared to a null hypothesis in which SBI administration would have no effect or minimal effect on patient response,” the researchers wrote.

By weeks 2 to 4, patients reported improved stool frequency, stool consistency, cessation of fecal incontinence, management of abdominal discomfort and bloating, and these changes were maintained through the treatment period.

“SBI afforded an effective option in managing difficult-to-treat IBS-D, allowing significant management as reported by patients,” the researchers wrote. “These outcomes support use of SBI as a novel, effective nutritional management option for IBS-D.” – by Adam Leitenberger

Reference:

Shafran I, et al. Presented at: James W. Freston Conference; August 29-30, 2015; Chicago.

Disclosure: Healio Gastroenterology was unable to confirm relevant financial disclosures at the time of publication.