Study of the Effectiveness and Safety of Saccharomyces Boulardii and Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG in Infectious and Non-Infectious Disorders of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Children

Aim:

This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of the probiotics mixture Saccharomyces boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in the management of various infectious and functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in children.

Methods:

A total of 704 infants and children from 2 moths to 18 years of age with diagnoses to the following ICD 10 codes: Viral intestinal infection, unspecified A08.4; Antibiotic associated diarrhea K52.1; Noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis, unspecified K52.9 were allocated to the probiotic group [Saccharomyces boulardii 250 mg (5×10 9 CFU*) 500 mg (1×10 10 CFU*)] and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC 53103 2×10 9 CFU* 4×10 9 CFU*S once daily]. 43 patients were also selected, whose treatment will be carried out according to the standard scheme, without probiotics (control group). Primary endpoint was the frequency of diarrhea, decrease fever and degree of dehydration.

Results:

The administration of probiotics mixture S. boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG was associated with beneficial effects on duration and severity of diarrhea. The frequency of diarrhea was significantly less in the probiotic group compared with the control group. Probiotics were well tolerated, no side effects were reported.

Conclusion:

Administration of probiotics mixture S. boulardii and Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG in children with acute viral diarrhea, antibiotic associated diarrhea and noninfective gastroenteritis and colitis was shown effective in reducing the duration and severity of diarrhea.