Effect of probiotics and dietary fiber combined with pinaverium bromide on intestinal flora in patients with irritable bowel syndrome

Objective: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of probiotics and dietary fiber combined with pinaverium bromide in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and its effect on intestinal flora. Methods: As a prospective study, 180 patients with IBS hospitalized in the gastroenterology department of our hospital from January 2018 to January 2021 were selected and assigned to Group A, Group B, or Group C using the random number table method, with 60 cases in each group. Patients in Group A received conventional treatment with pinaverium bromide tablets. Those in Group B were given bifid triple viable combined with pinaverium bromide, and those in Group C were given bifid triple viable and dietary fiber combined with pinaverium bromide. The treatment spanned 4 weeks. The treatment efficacy, degree of symptom improvement, quality of life, adverse effects, and changes in intestinal flora were compared among the three groups. Results: The total treatment efficacy was significantly higher in Group C compared with Group A (chi(2)=8.711, P=0.003), while it differed insignificantly between Group A and Group B (P>0.05). Groups B and C had a shorter resolution time of abdominal pain, diarrhea, and abdominal distension than Group A (P<0.05). Compared with Group B, Group C experienced a markedly shorter resolution time of abdominal pain (P<0.05). The IBS symptom severity scale (IBS-SSS) and IBS-quality of life (IBS-QOL) scores were the lowest in Group C, followed by Group B, and then Group A (P<0.05). Group A had a significantly higher E. coli count and lower Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus counts than Groups B and C (P<0.05). Adverse reactions were all within the tolerable range in the three groups, with no difference (P>0.05). Conclusion: In patients with IBS, treatment with probiotics and dietary fiber combined with pinaverium bromide can significantly improve clinical efficacy, shorten symptom resolution time, reduce calprotectin, and regulate intestinal flora.