The clinical efficacy of multi-strain probiotics (Protexin) in the management of acute gastroenteritis in children two months to two years old
- Author:
Expedito T. Yala
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Human; Male; Female; Child Preschool; Infant; PROBIOTICS; GASTROENTERITIS; TREATMENT OUTCOME
- From: Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines Journal 2011;12(2):86-91
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
- Abstract: Acute gastroenteritis is considered as one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In the Philippines, the World Health Organization (WHO) noted that acute gastroenteritis is the most common cause of morbidity and it ranks among the top 20 causes of mortality. The standard treatment as provided by WHO is the use of oral rehydration solution, intravenous fluid if indicated, and zinc supplement. Recently, the use of probiotics has been introduced as an adjunct to the treatment of acute gastroenteritis; however, its role in the management of the disease has not yet been fully established. Objective: This study aims to determine the clinical efficacy of multi-strain probiotics (Protexin) as adjunct treatment of acute gastroenteritis. Methodology: This is a randomized, single-blinded, clinical trial of patients with acute gastroenteritis from age two months to two years old and who were assigned to either Standard Treatment only (Control Group) and Standard treatment plus Protexin (Protexin Group). Both study groups were treated in accordance to the WHO standard regimen of treatment for diarrheal diseases with the addition of a Protexin given to Group B. The frequency of purging, character or texture of stool, length of hospital stay, and adverse reaction to the drug were noted. Results: A total of 51 patients were eligible for the study. No untoward event was noted from both groups and no adverse reaction was observed when Protexin was used during the study. The Protexin group had a significant decline in purging rate -as early as the second day -which is almost half the purging rate in the control group. Although both groups showed improvement in stool consistency, the experimental group showed significant improvement on the second hospital day. The experimental group had a significantly shorter course of hospitalization of at least one day. The analysis of variance showed a significant difference between the two study groups regarding purging rate, stool consistency, and duration of hospital stay. Conclusion: Protexin is both efficacious and safe in patients 2 months to 2 years old with acute gastroenteritis. Thus Protexin is beneficial and provides an additional therapeutic modality in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis.
- Full text:2024080714073868026jo39_ja05.pdf
