Systematic review with meta-analysis: Probiotics for treating acute diarrhoea in children with dehydration

J Paediatr Child Health. 2021 Mar;57(3):431-439. doi: 10.1111/jpc.15243. Epub 2021 Jan 7.

Abstract

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of probiotics in treating children with acute diarrhoea and dehydration.

Methods: Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library databases were searched for relevant studies and statistical analysis was performed.

Results: A total of 17 randomised controlled trials (RCTs) involving 2861 participants met the inclusion criteria. Compared with placebo, probiotics reduced the duration of diarrhoea (12 RCTs [15, 17], n = 1907, mean difference - 21.33 h, confidence interval (CI) -29.74 to -12.91, high heterogeneity, I2 = 86%), the duration of hospitalisation when compared with placebo (eight RCTs [19, 20], n = 1606, mean difference - 0.83 days, CI -1.53 to -0.12, high heterogeneity, I2 = 96%) and reduced risk of diarrhoea on day 4 or more days (six RCTs [19, 20], n = 1093, risk difference - 0.13, 95% CI -0.17- -0.09, no heterogeneity).

Conclusions: Probiotics alongside rehydration therapy appear to be safe and have clear beneficial effects in shortening the duration of diarrhoea in children with acute diarrhoea and dehydration.

Keywords: child; dehydration; diarrhoea; probiotic.

Publication types

  • Meta-Analysis
  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Child
  • Dehydration* / therapy
  • Diarrhea* / therapy
  • Fluid Therapy
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Probiotics* / therapeutic use