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Lactobacillus GG promotes recovery from acute nonbloody diarrhea in Pakistan
S Raza1, S M Graham, S J Allen
1Tropical Child Health Group, Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom.
Insights
Lactobacillus GG significantly reduced persistent watery diarrhea in hospitalized children. This probiotic intervention showed promise for managing acute nonbloody diarrhea in pediatric populations.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Microbiology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Acute diarrhea is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality, particularly in tropical regions.
- Malnutrition and inadequate pre-hospital care often complicate diarrhea management in hospitalized children.
- The role of probiotics, such as Lactobacillus GG, in managing acute diarrhea requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of Lactobacillus GG in treating acute diarrhea among hospitalized children in Pakistan.
- To compare the clinical course of diarrhea in children receiving Lactobacillus GG versus a placebo.
- To assess the impact of Lactobacillus GG on both watery and bloody diarrhea presentations.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, placebo-controlled, triple-blind clinical trial was conducted.
- Forty hospitalized children (mean age 13 months) with acute diarrhea were enrolled.
- Participants received either oral Lactobacillus GG or placebo twice daily for 2 days post-rehydration.
Main Results:
- Vomiting and diarrhea frequency decreased by Day 2 in the Lactobacillus GG group.
- Significantly fewer children (31% vs. 75%) in the Lactobacillus group had persistent watery diarrhea at 48 hours (P < 0.01).
- No significant difference was observed for bloody diarrhea presentations at 48 hours.
Conclusions:
- Lactobacillus GG demonstrates efficacy in reducing the duration of acute watery diarrhea in hospitalized children.
- The findings suggest potential benefits of Lactobacillus GG as an adjunct therapy for nonbloody diarrhea in pediatric care.
- Further research is warranted to explore its effectiveness in managing bloody diarrhea and in diverse tropical settings.
Abstract:
A prospective, placebo-controlled, triple blind clinical trial was carried out in Pakistan to determine the effect of Lactobacillus GG on the course of acute diarrhea in hospitalized children. Forty children (mean age, 13 months) were enrolled and after rehydration received either oral Lactobacillus GG (n = 21) or placebo (n = 19) twice daily for 2 days, in addition to the usual diet. The clinical course of diarrhea was followed during the treatment period. Features on admission into the study groups were similar and were characterized by severe diarrhea, malnutrition and inappropriate management before presentation. Response was evident on Day 2 when the frequency of both vomiting and diarrhea was less in the Lactobacillus group. In those who had presented with acute nonbloody diarrhea (n = 32), the percentage of children with persistent watery diarrhea at 48 hours was significantly less in the Lactobacillus group: 31% vs. 75% (P < 0.01). No significant difference was observed by 48 hours in those presenting with bloody diarrhea. The relevance of this finding to the management of diarrhea in the tropics is discussed.