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Meta-analysis: Lactobacillus GG for treating acute diarrhoea in children

H Szajewska1, A Skórka, M Ruszczyński

  • 1The Second Department of Paediatrics II Katedra Pediatrii, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Dzialdowska, Poland. hania@ipgate.pl

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|April 4, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Lactobacillus GG (LGG) moderately reduces diarrhea duration in children, especially rotavirus cases. However, benefits should be viewed cautiously due to study limitations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Microbiology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Acute infectious diarrhea is a common childhood illness.
  • Probiotics, such as Lactobacillus GG (LGG), are explored for therapeutic benefits.
  • Evidence for LGG's efficacy in pediatric diarrhea requires systematic review.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of Lactobacillus GG (LGG) in treating acute infectious diarrhea in children.
  • To synthesize findings from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on LGG for pediatric diarrhea.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive search of electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library) through August 2006.
  • Inclusion of only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) addressing acute infectious diarrhea and LGG.
  • Meta-analysis of data from eligible RCTs to determine treatment effects.

Main Results:

  • Eight RCTs involving 988 participants were analyzed.
  • LGG significantly reduced diarrhea duration, particularly in rotavirus infections (WMD -2.1 days).
  • A reduced risk of diarrhea lasting over 7 days and shorter hospitalization were observed, though not consistently significant.

Conclusions:

  • Lactobacillus GG (LGG) demonstrates moderate clinical benefits for treating acute diarrhea in children.
  • Findings suggest LGG may shorten illness duration and hospitalization.
  • Caution is advised due to methodological limitations and heterogeneity in the included studies.
Abstract

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