A controlled clinical trial to determine the potential of a prebiotic to beneficially influence the gut bacteria and immune defences of hospitalised elderly patients
| ISRCTN | ISRCTN26496022 |
|---|---|
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN26496022 |
| Protocol serial number | N/A |
| Sponsor | Clasado Ltd (UK) |
| Funder | Clasado Ltd (UK) |
- Submission date
- 27/11/2008
- Registration date
- 11/12/2008
- Last edited
- 03/05/2016
- Recruitment status
- No longer recruiting
- Overall study status
- Completed
- Condition category
- Digestive System
Plain English summary of protocol
Not provided at time of registration
Contact information
Scientific
Department of Food Biosciences
The University of Reading
Reading
RG6 6AP
United Kingdom
Study information
| Primary study design | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Study design | Interventional double-blind randomised stratified parallel-design trial |
| Secondary study design | Randomised controlled trial |
| Study type | Participant information sheet |
| Scientific title | A double blind, placebo controlled, randomised, single-centred, parallel group study to determine the potential of a prebiotic to beneficially influence the colonic microflora and immune status of hospitalised elderly patients |
| Study objectives | The metabolic activity of the gastrointestinal environment outstrips that of the liver. This is due to the presence of microorganisms and their continuous interaction with their environment (including other bacteria, gut epithelium, mucosal immune system, central nervous system and the endocrine system). Recent data suggests that intestinal microflora, after 2 years of age, remains relatively constant over time. However, it has been noted that elderly people harbour lower levels of bifidobacteria which may compromise gut health. These changes may be explained in part by the alterations occurring within the body with ageing, such as reduction of gastric, biliary and pancreatic secretions, increased intestinal mucosal permeability, impaired intestinal mobility and immunological changes. Research over the past two decades has provided evidence that administration of probiotics and/or prebiotics could be used to help optimise gut microflora composition, as well as enhance immune function. |
| Ethics approval(s) | Southampton and South West Hampshire Research Ethics Committee, September 2008, ref: 08/H0504/127 |
| Health condition(s) or problem(s) studied | Gut microflora composition and immune function |
| Intervention | Patients are randomised to one of two groups (prebiotic/placebo). Patient will be supplemented with the treatment (dosage 5.5 g per day in powder format that can be dissolved in water or juice) for the duration of their hospitalisation and another 7 days after their release from the hospital. On day 1 patient numbers will be assigned and stratified according to reason for hospitalisation. Randomisation table to be obtained from the internet. The total duration of follow up is 2 weeks. |
| Intervention type | Supplement |
| Primary outcome measure(s) |
To determine the effect of B-GOS on the faecal microflora of hospitalised elderly individuals, using the combination of 5'CY3-labelled 16S-ribosomal RNA oligonucleotide probes and epifluorescent microscopy known as Fluorescent In Situ Hybridisation (FISH). The main groups to be enumerated by this method will be: bifidobacteria, lactobacilli, clostridia, eubacteria, bacteroides and E. coli. |
| Key secondary outcome measure(s) |
1. To investigate the effect of B-GOS on immunity, as a result of the improvement of the microflora composition, using routine immunological tests as well as cytokine analyses and phagocytosis, analysed in blood samples at the beginning and end of hospitalisation |
| Completion date | 30/07/2009 |
Eligibility
| Participant type(s) | Patient |
|---|---|
| Age group | Senior |
| Sex | All |
| Target sample size at registration | 300 |
| Key inclusion criteria | 1. Inpatients aged 65 or older, either sex 2. Ability to communicate well with the investigator and to comply with the requirements of the entire study 3. Patient has given written informed consent to participate and is willing to participate in the entire study 4. Patient is admitted to the hospital for a minimum of one week |
| Key exclusion criteria | 1. Patients lacking capacity who are therefore unable to consent 2. Diarrhoea on admission, within the preceding week or reported recurrent diarrhoea 3. Severe allergy or any history of severe abnormal drug reaction, drug or alcohol abuse 4. Intake of more than two courses of antibiotics in the previous four weeks 5. Former participation in another study involving prebiotic or probiotic supplements or investigational drugs within the previous 1 month, or intention to use such drugs during the course of the study 6. Undergone surgical resection of any part of the bowel 7. Currently prescribed immunosuppressive drugs including oral steroids 8. Patients with any heart valve replacement or history of rheumatic heart disease or infective endocarditis 9. Severe life threatening illness |
| Date of first enrolment | 19/01/2009 |
| Date of final enrolment | 30/07/2009 |
Locations
Countries of recruitment
- United Kingdom
- England
Study participating centre
RG6 6AP
United Kingdom
Results and Publications
| Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to share | No |
|---|---|
| IPD sharing plan summary | Not provided at time of registration |
| IPD sharing plan |
Study outputs
| Output type | Details | Date created | Date added | Peer reviewed? | Patient-facing? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Participant information sheet | Participant information sheet | 11/11/2025 | 11/11/2025 | No | Yes |
Editorial Notes
03/05/2016: No publications found, verifying study status with principal investigator.
