Effects of supplementation with probiotics and prebiotics in infants with gastroenteritis

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of probiotics and prebiotics in infantile gastroenteritis. Background Gastroenteritis is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality worldwide. Administration of probiotic microorganisms and prebiotic fibers has a role in the prevention of and remediation against a range of intestinal disorders. Patients and methods Sixty-five infants with acute gastroenteritis were randomized to receive either probiotic and prebiotic supplementation (supplementation group; n = 50) or no supplementation (nonintervention; n = 15). Results Probiotics and prebiotics reduced the duration of vomiting to 3.4 ± 0.9 days in the supplementation group, compared with 4.9 ± 0.8 days in the nonintervention group ( t = 5.44, P 0≤ 0.001). Probiotics and prebiotics reduced the duration of fever to 2.9 ± 0.9 days in the supplementation group, compared with 3.9 ± 0.7 days in the nonintervention group (t = 3.93, P ≤ 0.001). The results showed that probiotics and prebiotics reduced the duration of hospital stay to 5.5 ± 1.9 days in the supplementation group, compared with7.0 ± 1.8 days in the nonintervention group ( t = 2.61, P = 0.01). Probiotics and prebiotics reduced the duration of diarrhea to 4.5 ± 1.4 days in the supplementation group, compared with 6.1 ± 1.4 days in the nonintervention group ( t = 3.94, P ≤ 0.001). Conclusion Probiotic and prebiotic supplementation has a role in the treatment of gastroenteritis by decreasing the duration of vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and length of hospital stay.