Beta-(1,3/1,6)-D-glucan Helps to Decrease Opportunistic Infections in Crohn’s Disease Patients Treated with Biological Therapy

Authors:
Marian Batovsky, Tomas Zamborsky, Khaled Radwan, Barbora Desatova, Barbora Kadleckova

Journal:
Archives of Clinical Gastroenterology, 2015
DOI: 10.17352/2455-2283.000008

Study Design

Double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, bicentric clinical trial

Participants

53 adult patients with Crohn’s disease in clinical and laboratory remission undergoing biological therapy (infliximab or adalimumab). Of these, 39 completed the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either the treatment group (n=10) or placebo group (n=29).

Intervention

One capsule per day of Imunoglukan P4H® (100 mg beta-(1,3/1,6)-D-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus and 100 mg vitamin C) for 12 months, compared to a placebo containing vitamin C only.

Outcome Measures

• Frequency and number of intercurrent (opportunistic) infections
• Crohn’s Disease Activity Index (CDAI)
• Quality of life (SIBDQ)
• Blood tests and stool calprotectin
• Tolerability and adverse events

Summary

This randomized controlled trial evaluated whether daily supplementation with pleuran (a beta-glucan from Pleurotus ostreatus) could reduce secondary infections in Crohn’s disease patients in remission undergoing biological therapy. Over 12 months, significantly fewer patients in the treatment group experienced opportunistic infections compared to placebo (6/10 vs. 25/29, p=0.0384). The number of total intercurrent infections was also significantly lower in the treatment group (p=0.0196). No meaningful changes were observed in Crohn’s disease activity or biochemical markers. The supplement was well tolerated and did not impact disease remission. These findings suggest that pleuran may help reduce infection risk in immunosuppressed Crohn’s patients.

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