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Use of bismuth subsalicylate in acute diarrhea in children

H E Soriano-Brücher1, P Avendaño, M O'Ryan

  • 1Pediatric Service, Sotero del Rio Hospital, Santiago, Chile.

Reviews of Infectious Diseases
|January 1, 1990
PubMed

Insights

Bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) significantly improved outcomes for children with acute diarrhea, reducing stool output and hospital stays. This treatment showed particular benefit when bacterial pathogens were also present.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Acute diarrhea is a common illness in infants and children.
  • Rotavirus is a leading cause of severe diarrheal disease in young children.
  • Bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) has been used for symptomatic relief of diarrhea.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) in treating acute diarrhea in children.
  • To compare BSS treatment with placebo in a randomized, double-blind, controlled trial.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized, parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted.
  • 123 infants and children with acute diarrhea received either BSS (100 mg/kg/day for 5 days) or placebo.
  • Clinical outcomes including stool weight, consistency, duration of illness, and need for intravenous fluids were assessed.

Main Results:

  • BSS treatment resulted in significantly lower stool weight and improved stool consistency earlier than placebo.
  • Patients receiving BSS experienced shorter hospital stays, fewer stools, and a decreased need for intravenous fluids.
  • The clinical condition of children treated with BSS evolved more favorably compared to the placebo group.

Conclusions:

  • Bismuth subsalicylate (BSS) is an effective treatment for acute diarrhea in children.
  • BSS favorably alters the course of rotavirus-associated diarrhea, especially when bacterial pathogens are present.
  • Further research may explore optimal BSS dosing and its role in managing pediatric diarrheal diseases.

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