To compare the efficacy of two probiotics in acute non bloody diarrhea

Abstract

Background: According to WHO watery diarrhea is defined as passage of 3 or more loose stools without blood during preceding 24 hrs. End point of diarrhea was defined as passage of 3 stools of formed consistency. The objective of this study was tocompare the efficacy of two groups of commercially available probiotics in treating children hospitalized with acute non-bloody diarrhea on the basis of duration of stay in hospital, frequency of stool per day and duration of requirement for intravenous fluid. And to compare the results of probiotics in Rotavirus antigen positive children.Methods: A prospective interventional study was conducted in Holy Family Hospital, New Delhi in children aged between 6 months - 5 years hospitalized with acute non bloody diarrhea with 30 children in each group.Results: Total 123 children (6 months - 5 years) admitted in hospital with acute diarrhea, out of which 6 turned out to be bloody, 5 could not be followed up and 3 went LAMA. Finally 109 children with 68 males (62%) with male:female ratio of 1.65. Total 109 children (68 males) were included - Group A (33), 48 in Group B (48) and 28 in Group C (28). In a lateral study, Group A (11), Group B (23) and Group C (10) were Rotavirus positive. 49 children (45%) admitted with stool frequency of 5-10 times per day. Majority of children presented with symptoms like vomiting (68%), fever (55%), decrease oral intake (45%), decrease urine output (25%). Majority of patients 92 children (84%) were between 6 months to 2 years. 44 children (40%) were Rotavirus antigen positive.Conclusions: There is no statistical significant advantage of adding probiotics for treating acute non bloody diarrhea including Rotaviral.

Clinical and demographic profile of paediatric patients presenting with acute diarrhea

“…In the study conducted by Kumar M et al, after vomiting and fever, 21 (47.7%) with decreased oral intake and 12 (27.3%) with decreased urine output along with loose stools were noted. 9 The feeding practices among study participants were also noted and analysed. Breast-feeding was given to all 150 patients.…”