The efficacy of lactobacillus reuteri in conjunction with racecadotril in managing pediatric rotavirus enteritis and its impact on intestinal mucosa and immune function.

2025-07-15
African health sciences 25(2)
- Zhihua He
- Lin Lan
- Nini Chen
- Yanling Cheng
- Sitang Gong

PubMed: 40837632
DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v25i2.6

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: 85 children diagnosed with pediatric rotavirus enteritis
Methods: Randomly divided into two groups: control group (43 cases) receiving racecadotril alone and observation group (42 cases) treated with both Lactobacillus reuteri and racecadotril

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combining Lactobacillus reuteri with racecadotril in treating pediatric rotavirus enteritis, focusing on its impact on intestinal mucosa and immune function.

Methodology

Eighty-five children diagnosed with pediatric rotavirus enteritis were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (43 cases) receiving racecadotril alone and the observation group (42 cases) treated with both Lactobacillus reuteri and racecadotril. Evaluation of the RV conversion rate and treatment efficacy was conducted at 3d, 5d, and 7d post-treatment. The study also assessed changes in intestinal mucosal barrier function, immune response, and intestinal microbiota.

Results

The observation group exhibited significantly higher RV conversion rates at 3d, 5d, and 7d post-treatment compared to the control group (P<0.05), reaching 61.90%, 76.19%, and 92.86%, respectively. Following treatment, the observation group showed improvements in mucosal barrier function, increased CD4+ levels, decreased AGEs, D-lactic acid, endotoxins, and CD8+ levels. There were notable changes in intestinal microbiota, with elevated Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium levels and decreased Escherichia coli.

Conclusions

Combining Lactobacillus reuteri and racecadotril in treating pediatric rotavirus enteritis demonstrated efficacy in regulating intestinal microbiota, alleviating mucosal barrier dysfunction, improving immune function, and enhancing treatment effectiveness.

Research Insights

Lactobacillus reuteri→Improved Rotavirus Conversion Rate
The observation group exhibited significantly higher RV conversion rates at 3d, 5d, and 7d post-treatment compared to the control group (P<0.05), reaching 61.90%, 76.19%, and 92.86%, respectively.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Large
Lactobacillus reuteri→Increased Barrier-Preserving Protein Levels
Following treatment, the observation group showed improvements in mucosal barrier function
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus reuteri→Increased Bifidobacteria Levels
elevated ... Bifidobacterium levels
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus reuteri→Increased CD4+ T Cell Count
increased CD4+ levels
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus reuteri→Increased Lactobacillus Levels
elevated Lactobacillus ... levels
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus reuteri→Reduced Advanced Glycation End Product Level
decreased AGEs
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus reuteri→Reduced CD8+ Level
decreased ... CD8+ levels
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus reuteri→Reduced D-lactic Acid Level
decreased ... D-lactic acid
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus reuteri→Reduced Endotoxin Level
decreased ... endotoxins
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Lactobacillus reuteri→Reduced Escherichia Coli Level
decreased Escherichia coli
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate