Comparison of three probiotics in the treatment of acute diarrhea in mentally retarded children

Abstract

Background: This article aims to compare the use of VIS-01 (Yovis) with two other probiotics (lactic acid bacteria), such as Lactogèrmine and Codex in the treatment of acute diarrhea in children with mental retardation. A recent paper highlights the superiority of the first drug, claiming new perspectives in probiotic therapy.

Methods: The authors perform a prospective study on 33 mentally retarded children (mean age 10.3 years), divided in three groups, each treated with a different probiotic (VIS-01, Lactogèrmine and Codex) at the beginning of an acute diarrhea. These children were admitted at the Pediatric Unit of the Oasi Maria SS. Institute in Troina. The dosage was suited to the technical record of the drug. During the clinical course the following items have been recorded: number of evacuations; time of alvine normalization; presence, quality, and length of fever; other associated features or side effects.

Results: The time of alvine normalization did not show statistically significant differences between the three groups.

Conclusions: In conclusion, the use of Yovis does not modify in a statistically significant way with respect to the remaining drugs the clinical course of acute diarrhea in the mentally retarded children of the present study.