Nitazoxanide vs. probiotics for the treatment of acute rotavirus diarrhea in children: a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial in Bolivian children.
BACKGROUND
In previous studies, nitazoxanide has demonstrated a cytoprotective effect against rotavirus, reducing the duration of diarrhea in comparison to placebo. We designed a randomized, single-blind, controlled trial in order to assess the effectiveness of nitazoxanide and probiotics in comparison with a control group.


METHODS
Seventy-five children aged from 28 days to 24 months, with rotavirus diarrhea, were randomly assigned to receive either oral nitazoxanide (15 mg/kg/day) twice a day for three days, a combination of oral probiotics, 1 g twice a day for five days, or only oral or systemic rehydration solutions. The duration of diarrhea and of hospitalization were the primary outcome measures, and daily stool frequency, vomiting, and fever were some of the secondary outcome measures analyzed.


RESULTS
The median duration of hospitalization was significantly shorter (p = 0.017) in patients who received nitazoxanide (81 h) and probiotics (72 h) compared to patients who received oral rehydration solution alone (108 h). Similarly, the median duration of diarrhea was significantly reduced (p = 0.009) in children who received nitazoxanide (54 h) and probiotics (48 h) compared to the control group (79 h).


CONCLUSIONS
Treatment with nitazoxanide and probiotics is effective in the management of children with acute rotavirus diarrhea. Small differences in favor of nitazoxanide were found in comparison with probiotics. Nitazoxanide is an important treatment option for rotavirus diarrhea.
Teran
Carlos G
CG
Pediatric Center Albina Patiño, Department of Infectious Disease, Calle Jordan 822, Cochabamba, Bolivia. carteran79@hotmail.com
Teran-Escalera
Carlos N
CN
Villarroel
Patricia
P
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001838:Bolivia; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000188:drug therapy*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005440:Fluid Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D009574:Nitro Compounds; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012400:Rotavirus Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D013844:Thiazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D009574:Nitro Compounds; D013844:Thiazoles; C041747:nitazoxanide