Lactobacillus for Acute Gastroenteritis: Unfortunately, It Doesn't Work

Yet another randomized, controlled trial demonstrates lack of efficacy of probiotics for acute gastroenteritis in children.

In a randomized, controlled, double-blind trial, researchers in Poland evaluated the efficacy of the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri for treatment of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in young children. Ninety-one otherwise healthy patients <5 years old with presumed AGE (defined as change in stool consistency, frequency, or both)- received a daily dose of either Lactobacillus reuteri or placebo for 5 days. The primary outcome was time to resolution of diarrhea (back to normal stool consistency or normal number of daily stools) and normal stool for 48 hours. Secondary outcomes included need for intravenous fluids and duration of hospitalization.

The duration of diarrhea was similar in both groups. All secondary outcomes were also similar in both g…

Reviewing Author

Carolyn K. Holland, MD, MEd, FACEP, FAAP

Disclosures

EquityGeneral Electric

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine (Program Committee Chief Resident Forum Subcommittee Chair); American College of Emergency Physicians (Education Committee member)

Carolyn K. Holland, MD, MEd, FACEP, FAAP

Disclosures

EquityGeneral Electric

Lactobacillus for Acute Gastroenteritis: Unfortunately, It Doesn't Work

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Reviewing Author