Effects of heat-killed probiotic complex on acute diarrhoea in children

Abstract

Probiotics are known in paediatrics as a new alternative treatment for diarrhoea. Some studies have found that a heat-killed probiotic complex (HKPC) has the same potential effects as active probiotics on diarrhoea in children. However, there is little research on this subject. We conducted a study to examine the HKPC effect on duration of illness and degree of recovery from acute diarrhoea in 6-24-month-old children. This study is a randomised, double-blind, controlled clinical trial with children aged 6-24 months with acute diarrhoea. The children were divided into two groups: one received HKPC and the other placebo. Stool samples were collected prior to treatment to determine the presence of rotavirus and the evidence of fat and/or lactose malabsorption. All the children were observed regarding the duration of diarrhoea, stool frequency, and stool consistency until they recovered. A total of 98 children met the selection criteria. Rotavirus was found in more than half of the stool samples (53%). Fat malabsorption was present in 46% of the samples, yet lactose malabsorption was detected in only 8% of the samples. The HKPC group had a shorter recovery time (3 days) than the placebo group (4 days), which is not statistically different (p=0.100). There were no significant differences in recovery levels from the first day until the last day of observation (p=0.487). According to the result, administration of HKPC has no significant effect on duration of illness and level of recovery in 6-24-month-old children with acute diarrhoea.