Meta‐analysis shows limited evidence for using Lactobacillus acidophilus LB to treat acute gastroenteritis in children
- 2013-12-20
- Acta Paediatrica 103(3)
- H. Szajewska
- M. Ruszczyński
- S. Kolaček
- PubMed: 24175943
- DOI: 10.1111/apa.12487
Abstract
A meta-analysis of four randomised controlled trials of varying methodological quality, involving 304 children aged 1-48 months, showed that Lactobacillus acidophilus LB (LB) reduced the duration of diarrhoea in hospitalised, but not outpatient, children compared with a placebo. The chance of a cure on day three was similar in both groups, but LB increased the chance of cure on day four.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence to recommend LB for treating paediatric diarrhoea.
Keywords: Diarrhoea; Microbiota; Probiotics; RCT; Systematic review.
Research Insights
| Supplement | Health Outcome | Effect Type | Effect Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lactobacillus LB | Improved Cure Rate on Day Four | Beneficial | Small |
| Lactobacillus LB | Reduced Duration of Hospitalized Diarrhea in Children | Beneficial | Moderate |
| Lactobacillus LB | Unchanged Duration of Diarrhoea in Outpatient Children | Neutral | Small |