1.Clinical outcomes of treating pediatric diarrhea with Indra-4
Wunier ; Khaliun B ; Tsend-Ayush D ; Kherlen P ; Dongmei ; Dorjbat S
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;96(6):178-183
Background:
Pediatric diarrhea is one of the most common diseases among children and is the second leading cause of death and the third most prevalent disease among children worldwide. In Traditional Medicine, pediatric diarrhea is considered to result from an imbalance of the three bodily principles. In the treatment of this condition, Indra-4 decoction, which is traditionally used for its antipyretic and antidiarrheal effects, is commonly administered.
Aim:
To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Indra-4 in the treatment of pediatric diarrhea.
Materials and Methods:
A quantitative, randomized, controlled (active-control), open-label, single-center clinical trial was conducted. A total of 150 children were enrolled based on a confidence level of P>0.90 and a margin of error of D=10%, and were randomly assigned to two groups in a 1:1 ratio. The treatment group received Indra-4 decoction at a dose of 1.5 g twice daily for children aged 2–5 years and 2 g twice daily for children aged 6–9 years. The comparison group received montmorillonite powder at a dose of 2 g three times daily. Treatment was administered for 7 days in both groups. Clinical symptoms were scored and assessed before treatment, on days 3 and 5 of treatment, and after completion of treatment, and the results were compared between the two groups. The study was conducted with the approval of the Research Ethics Review Committee of the Mongolian National University of Medical Sciences, Mongolia (Approval No. 2026/1-01, January 23, 2026).
Result:
No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age, sex distribution, or total symptom scores at baseline (p>0.05), indicating that the groups were comparable. On days 3 and 5 of treatment and after treatment, the total symptom scores in the Indra-4 group were significantly lower than those in the comparison group (p<0.001). The overall treatment efficacy was 92.0% in the Indra-4 group and 78.7% in the comparison group, with a statistically significant difference (χ²=4.315, p=0.038). The percentage reduction in symptom scores was 90.97±4.14% in the Indra-4 group compared with 61.32±5.24% in the comparison group (t=28.072, p<0.001). These findings suggest that Indra-4 decoction may be more effective in reducing symptoms and improving treatment outcomes in children with diarrhea.
Conclusion
The results demonstrated that the Indra-4 group had significantly greater improvement in the major and accompanying symptoms of pediatric diarrhea, as well as higher overall treatment efficacy and recovery rates, compared with the comparison group. Indra-4 appears to be effective in the treatment of pediatric diarrhea and may be suitable for clinical use.
2.Study Results: Identification of Food Allergies in Children
Oyuntulga A ; Margad T ; Bulgan B ; Otgontugs Sh ; Davaajargal S ; Kherlen P ; Munkhbayarlakh S
Mongolian Journal of Health Sciences 2026;92(2):150-154
Background:
The global prevalence of IgE-mediated food allergy (FA) among children has increased significantly over the last few decades, in some cases leading to severe, life-threatening anaphylaxis. While international prevalence rates average 6-10%, contemporary data in Mongolia are limited. Identifying the characteristics of pediatric food allergy and its risk factors is essential for developing appropriate clinical management and preventive strategies.
Aim:
To identify the primary causative allergens and evaluate the factors influencing food allergy among Mongolian children.
Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from June 2025 to December 2025. Data from children screened using a food allergy detection questionnaire were analyzed using Excel and R software.
Results:
Among 244 children aged 0–5 years, 18.8% were identified as having a potential food allergy. The most common specific allergens were egg (5.4%), cow’s milk (2.6%), peanut (2.3%), and wheat (0.8%). Additionally, 7.7% of participants reported allergies to less common triggers such as yellow fruits, peaches, tomatoes, and pumpkin. Multiple food allergies (to two or more foods) were observed in 1.57% of the cohort. Atopic dermatitis was the strongest independent risk factor for developing a food allergy (OR 15.3, 95% CI 3.73–107.0, p<0.001). A family history of allergy also significantly increased the risk (OR 3.66, p=0.042). Conversely, exclusive breastfeeding for more than 6 months demonstrated a protective effect against food allergy (p=0.041). No statistically significant associations were found regarding antibiotic use, mode of delivery, or maternal vitamin supplementation during pregnancy.
Conclusions
1. Based on parent/caregiver-reported questionnaires, the prevalence of food allergy among children is 18.8%. 2. Pediatric skin allergies and genetics (family history) are powerful risk factors for food allergies. Breastfeeding for more than 6 months significantly reduces the risk of a child developing a food allergy.
Result Analysis
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