Breakthrough treatment in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Traditional treatments for IBS have not been very effective, but there is a new trend in the field showing significant promise. My staff and I are very excited because we were an enrolling site for a new clinical study, focusing on IBS patients, which were currently published in The New England Journal of Medicine on 1/6/11.

There is evidence to suggest that when a person’s gut flora (healthy bacteria) becomes altered, it may play a key role in the development of IBS. Based on this new premise called SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth), the theory is that if the gut flora can be altered using a non-absorbed antibiotic, the symptoms of IBS will decrease.

This study looked at 1260 patients with diarrhea predominant IBS patients, who were randomized to either placebo or Rifaximin 550 mg., three times a day, for 14 days. After following their IBS symptoms for another 10 weeks, the study showed that significantly more patients in the Rifaximin group had adequate relief of their symptoms. However, according to the data, the side effect profile for both groups was the same.

This study opens a whole new approach for the treatment of IBS. Now, instead of just treating the symptoms, we have a new weapon to actually treat the cause.

This is very exciting for us because we happen to have been one of the highest enrolling sites in the nation. The New England Journal of Medicine is one of the most respected and difficult medical journals to get into, so I am very proud of Brandi Scott and the research department of this accomplishment. Also, I’m very proud of all our patients from the DFW area who participated in this innovative study.

We are very pleased to be able to offer alternative solutions to our patients who suffer from IBS. Currently, we are enrolling in three other IBS trials, so if you or someone you know has IBS please feel free to contact my office.

Disclaimer: The information presented on this website is not intended to take the place of your personal physician’s advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Discuss this information with your healthcare provider to determine what is right for you. All information is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for specific medical condition

By Kenneth Brown, M.D.|January 21st, 2011|IBS|Comments Off

About the Author: Kenneth Brown, M.D.

Kenneth Brown, MD is a board-certified gastroenterologist in Plano, TX. He has a special focus on IBS-related symptoms and bridging the gap between traditional and functional medicine. Dr. Brown received his medical degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1998 and completed his Fellowship in Gastroenterology & Hepatology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in 2004. In addition to his gastroenterology practice, Dr. Brown is the chief medical officer for KBS Research and created the KBMD Health platform to help others better understand health-related topics & solutions. He holds a U.S. patent for the development of a natural bloating supplement called Atrantil. A member of the Digestive Health Associates of Texas and the American College of Gastroenterology. All patient appointment requests and media inquiries can be made by calling the practice at 972-867-0019.

Keeping Your Gut in Check

Breakthrough treatment in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Breakthrough treatment in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

About the Author: Kenneth Brown, M.D.

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