Efficacy of Two Probiotic Preparations in Children With Acute Diarrhoea

Efficacy of Two Probiotic Preparations in Children With Acute Viral Diarrhoea, Randomised Controlled Trial

The purpose of this study is to determine which of two different preparations of probiotics is effective in the treatment of acute viral diarrhoea in children.

Children and infants, aged 1 month to 5 years, with acute diarrhoea, will be randomised to receive either saccharomyces boulardii, a combination probiotic (Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus plantarum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Streptococcus thermophillus) or placebo, to determine if one shortens the duration of diarrhoea.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Clinical diagnosis of acute viral gastroenteritis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Moderate or severe dehydration
• Malnutrition
• Immunodeficiencies
• Sepsis or bacterial infection
• Previous use of antibiotics, antidiarrheal drugs, or probiotics, in the last four weeks.
• Hospitalisation
• No phone number
• Illiteracy