Probiotics for treating persistent diarrhoea in children.
BACKGROUND
Persistent diarrhoea (diarrhoea lasting more than 14 days) accounts for one third of all diarrhoea related deaths in developing countries in some studies. Probiotics may help treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To evaluate probiotics for treating persistent diarrhoea in children.


METHODS
In August 2010, we searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS. We also contacted authors of included trials and organizations working in the field, and checked reference lists.


METHODS
Randomized controlled trials comparing a specified probiotic agent with placebo or no probiotic in children with persistent diarrhoea.


METHODS
Two review authors assessed the eligibility, risk of bias, extracted and analysed data. Differences were resolved by discussion. Statistical analysis were performed using the fixed-effect model and the results were expressed as mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CI).


RESULTS
Four trials were included, with a total number of 464 participants; one trial had a low risk of bias. Meta-analysis showed that probiotics reduced the duration of persistent diarrhoea (mean difference 4.02 days, 95% CI 4.61 to 3.43 days, n=324, 2 trials). Stool frequency was reduced with probiotics in two trials. One trial reported a shorter hospital stay, which was significant, but numbers were small. No adverse events were reported.


CONCLUSIONS
There is limited evidence suggesting probiotics may be effective in treating persistent diarrhoea in children.
Suárez Angamos Hospital, Angamos Este Avenue 261, Miraflores, Lima, Peru, 18.
Guillermo
G
Bernaola Aponte
Carlos Alfonso
CA
Bada Mancilla
Nilton Yhuri
NY
Carreazo Pariasca
Raúl Alberto
RA
Rojas Galarza
D002648:Child; D003967:Diarrhea / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D019936:Probiotics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic