Lactobacillus Reuteri DSM 17938 in Preventing Nosocomial Diarrhea in Children

Effectiveness of Lactobacillus Reuteri DSM 17938 in Preventing Nosocomial Diarrhea in Children: a Randomized, Double-blind Placebo Controlled Trial

AIM: To determine the efficacy of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 at a dose of 10(9) CFU for the prevention of nosocomial diarrhea.

TRIAL DESIGN: Double-blind, placebo controlled RCT. INTERVENTION: L reuteri DSM 17938 in a daily dose of 10(9) CFU. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Nosocomial diarrhoea (3 or more loose or watery stools in a 24 h that will occur more than 72 h after admission).

Nosocomial diarrhea is a common problem in hospitalized children. Previously, it has been documented that the administration of L reuteri DSM 17938 at a dose of 10(8) colony forming units (CFU) compared with placebo had no effect on the overall incidence of nosocomial diarrhea (Wanke & Szajewska, J Pediatr 2012). Whether higher doses of L reuteri DSM 17938 have such effects needs to be substantiated in further randomized trials.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children aged 1-48 mo admitted to the hospital for reasons other than diarrhea
• Signed informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Acute gastroenteritis within 3 days before admission
• Symptoms other than diarrhea suggesting gastroenteritis
• Use of probiotics within 7 days before admission
• Immunodeficiency disorders
• Breastfeeding >50%
• Underlying gastrointestinal tract disorder
• Malnutrition (weight/high <3pc)