Efficacy of gelatin tannate for acute diarrhea in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

J Comp Eff Res. 2019 Jan;8(2):91-102. doi: 10.2217/cer-2018-0115. Epub 2018 Nov 22.

Abstract

Aim: To investigate by meta-analysis the efficacy of gelatin tannate (GT), a mucosal barrier protector, in children with acute gastroenteritis.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted. Studies were selected according to PICO: Participants: children aged 0-12 years with acute diarrhea; Intervention: GT; Comparison: oral rehydration solution and/or placebo; Outcomes: diarrhea-related outcomes.

Results: Three published randomized controlled trials were identified of pediatric diarrhea treated with GT (n = 203) or control (n = 204). GT significantly (p < 0.01) reduced stool frequency at 12 h in two randomized controlled trials. A significant treatment effect (risk ratio = 0.74; p < 0.01) in favor of GT was found for the exploratory composite outcome of 'diarrhea or liquid stools at 24 h' in three studies. Risk ratios in a single study which reported the percentage of patients with liquid stools at 12, 24 and 48 h favored GT at all time points. No significant differences were found between GT and control for patients with diarrhea at 12 or 24 h or for duration of diarrhea.

Conclusion: GT improved stool frequency and stool consistency in children with acute diarrhea, although further well-controlled studies would be useful to confirm a beneficial treatment effect.

Keywords: diarrhea; gelatin tannate; meta-analysis; pediatrics.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Diarrhea / drug therapy*
  • Gelatin / therapeutic use*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Tannins / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Tannins
  • tannate gelatin
  • Gelatin