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Systematic review with meta-analysis: Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 for diarrhoeal diseases in children

M Urbańska1, D Gieruszczak-Białek1, H Szajewska1

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, The Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.

Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics
|March 19, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (L. reuteri) effectively shortens diarrhea duration and improves cure rates in children. It may also reduce community-acquired diarrhea in healthy children, but evidence for preventing hospital-acquired or antibiotic-associated diarrhea is limited.

Area of Science:

  • Microbiology
  • Pediatrics
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Probiotic efficacy varies significantly.
  • Understanding specific probiotic benefits is crucial for targeted therapeutic use.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (L. reuteri) in managing various childhood diarrheal diseases.
  • To synthesize evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on L. reuteri's therapeutic and preventive roles.

Main Methods:

  • Comprehensive literature search of Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, and trial registries up to January 2016.
  • Inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with no language restrictions.
  • Systematic review and meta-analysis of L. reuteri's impact on diarrhea duration, cure rates, and incidence.

Main Results:

  • L. reuteri administration significantly reduced diarrhea duration (MD -24.82 h) and increased cure rates in treatment trials (3 RCTs, n=256).
  • No significant reduction in nosocomial, rotavirus, or general diarrhea risk was observed in hospitalized children (2 RCTs, n=290).
  • Limited evidence suggests L. reuteri may reduce community-acquired diarrhea in healthy children, but effects on antibiotic-associated diarrhea were inconclusive (1 RCT, n=97).

Conclusions:

  • L. reuteri demonstrates therapeutic benefits by reducing diarrhea duration and enhancing cure rates in children.
  • L. reuteri shows potential in preventing community-acquired diarrhea in healthy pediatric populations.
  • Further research is needed to clarify L. reuteri's role in preventing hospital-acquired and antibiotic-associated diarrhea due to limited or inconclusive evidence.
Abstract

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