Efficacy of Saccharomyces Boullardii in Children with Acute Diarrhea

Abstract

Objectives: The main objectives of the study were to reduce the stool frequency, to improve the stool consistency and to reduce the mean duration of diarrhea in days.

Study Design: Prospective (case control) study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Govt. Sifwat Ghayur Shaheed Memorial (infectious diseases) Children Hospital, Peshawar from May to Oct. 2016

Materials and Methods: A total of 200 patients were equally divided into two groups, cases and controls, randomly and consecutively. The cases group was receiving saccharomyces boullardii in addition to the routine management, while the control group was just receiving the normal management. Children of age, range between 6 months to 5 years were included in the study. Children with recurrent or chronic diarrhea, acute dysentery, thalassaemia and congenital heart disease were excluded of the study.       

Results: The cases group had a mean duration of diarrhea of 3.23 days and  control group 5.84 days. The difference in stool frequency, consistency and duration was statistically significant on day 3 between the two groups (0.008,0.000).

Conclusion: The use of saccharomyces boulardii is a beneficial addition to the management of acute diarrhea, which is associated with speedy recovery by improving stools frequency and consistency as compared to the patients who do not received.