ROLE OF PROBIOTIC LACTOBACILLUS SPOROGENES IN THE TREATMENT OF ACUTE DIARRHOEA IN CHILDREN

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of Lactobacillus sporogenes in the treatment of acute diarrhoea in paediatric population. Methods: In a prospective randomized open label comparative study, 62 children (1 month– 6 years) admitted to the Medical College Hospital for the treatment of acute diarrhoea, were included. The patients were randomised into two groups, control group (n =31) receiving only fluids and zinc and test group (n =31) receiving probiotic Lactobacillus sporogenes in addition to fluids and zinc. The outcome measures were frequency of diarrhoea, consistency of stools, duration of diarrhoea after hospitalization, duration of hospital stay and side effect profile associated with the use of probiotic.  The data was analysed using the SPSS software. Results: Lactobacillus sporogenes group showed statistically significant reduction in the frequency of diarrhoea on second day of treatment (mean ± SD) (Test group: 4.94 ± 2.05, Control group: 6.00 ± 2.25). In addition, a greater improvement in the consistency of stools on the second day of treatment was observed (Test group: 16.1% patients, Control group: 35.5% patients experienced watery stools). There was no significant difference in duration of diarrhoea or duration of hospital stay between the two groups. No serious side effects with the treatment were observed. Conclusion: Addition of Lactobacillus sporogenes to the treatment regimen of diarrhoea in paediatric population brings about a faster amelioration of symptoms in terms of frequency and consistency of stools. Its safety and ease of administration make it an acceptable option for the treatment of acute diarrhoea in children