The Comparison of the Efficacy of Probiotic (Bacillus Clausii)with Yoghurt in the Management of Acute Watery Diarrhoea

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of Probiotics with the yoghurt in the management of children with acute diarrhoea in terms of frequency and consistency of stools.
 Study Design: Quasi-experimental study.
 Place and Duration of Study: Department of Paediatric Medicine, Combined Military Hospital, Peshawar Pakistan, from Jun to Dec 2020.
 Methodology: Patients were allotted into three Groups A, B, or C. Group-A received a Probiotic (Bacillus Clausii), Group-B received plain yoghurt, and Group-C did not receive yoghurt or Probiotic. The outcome was an improvement in stool consistency at 72 hours. Stool consistency was assessed via Bristol stool chart along with frequency. Data were collected 72 hours after initiation of treatment.
 Result: The total number of patients enrolled was 159(53 in each Group). Among these, 85(53.5%) were males, and 74(46.5%) were females. There was a statistically significant association in terms of consistency (p=0.001) and term of frequency (p<0.001) in the Probiotic and Yoghurt-Group.
 Conclusion: The outcome in terms of consistency is almost equal in the Probiotic and Yoghurt-Group. However, Probiotic is superior to yoghurt in terms of frequency.