Effects of probiotics and synbiotics on diarrhea in undernourished children: Systematic review with meta-analysis
Richard Mbusa Kambale1, Fransisca Isia Nancy2, Gaylord Amani Ngaboyeka2
1Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Université Catholique de Bukavu, Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo; General Pediatrics, Pediatric Department, Hôpital Provincial Général de Référence de Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo.
Background:
Undernutrition predisposes children to a greater incidence and duration of diarrhea. No review and meta-analysis have yet been conducted to assess effectiveness of probiotics and synbiotics in undernourished children.
Aims:
To assess the effectiveness of probiotics and synbiotics on diarrhea in undernourished children.
Methods:
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials evaluating the effects of probiotics and synbiotics on diarrhea in undernourished children were searched from 1990 to May 2020. Recommendations of the Cochrane Handbook and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement were followed.
Results:
The systematic review identified 15 trials with 6986 patients. The meta-analysis revealed that treatment with probiotic or synbiotic reduced significantly both the duration of diarrhea [Weighted mean difference (WMD) = -1.05 day, 95% CI (-1.98, -0.11)] and the hospital stay duration [Standard mean difference (SMD) = -2.87 days, 95% CI (-5.33, -0.42)], especially in specific patient subsets. In both groups, similar rates of vomiting and nutritional recovery were observed. No probiotics or synbiotics-related adverse effects were reported. Subgroup analyses showed that probiotic and synbiotic treatment were more effective in reducing risk of diarrhea in outpatients [Risk ratio (RR) = 0.86, 95%CI (0.75-0.98)].
Conclusion:
This meta-analysis supports the potential beneficial roles of probiotics and synbiotics on diarrhea in undernourished children.
Related Concept Videos
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Antimicrobials as Antidiarrheal Agents
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Adsorbents as Antidiarrheal Agents
Adsorbents...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Opioids as Antidiarrheal Agents
Opioids, widely used antidiarrheal agents, mitigate diarrhea by slowing down...


