Synbiotic containing Bacillus coagulans and fructo-oligosaccharides for functional abdominal pain in children

We evaluated the effectiveness of a synbiotic in the treatment of childhood functional abdominal pain [FAP]. Probiotics are effective in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders in adult patients, but there is lack of information in children. Children with FAP, based on the Rome III criteria [n= 115, aged 6-18 years], were randomized to receive either synbiotic [Bacillus coagulans, Unique IS-2, 150 million spore plus FOS, 100 mg] twice daily or placebo for four weeks. Treatment response was defined as >/= 2-point reduction in the 6-point self-rated pain scale or "no pain". Physician-rated global severity and improvement were also evaluated. Patients were followed for a total of 12 weeks. Eighty-eight patients completed the trial [45 with synbiotic]. Response rate was higher with synbiotic than placebo after medication [60% vs. 39.5%, P = 0.044], but was not different between the two groups at week 12 [64.4% vs. 53.4%, P = 0.204]. Difference between the two groups regarding the physician-rated global severity over the study period was not statistically significant [z = -1.87, P = 0.062]. There was no significant difference between the two groups in physician-rated global improvement [week 4, P = 0.437; week 12, P = 0.111]. Receiving synbiotic [OR 2.608, 95% CI: 1.01-6.68] and baseline pain score [OR 2.21, 95% CI: 1.19-4.10] were predictors of treatment response after medication. The synbiotic containing Bacillus coagulans and FOS seems to be effective in the treatment of childhood FAP. Further trials are recommended in this regard

Lactose-free compared with lactose-containing formula in dietary management of acute childhood diarrhea

Few reports are available on some benefits, such as shortened duration of diarrhea and better weight gain, for lactose-free over lactose-containing formula in acute childhood diarrhea. We evaluated the effects of lactose-free formula in dietary management of acute diarrhea in formula-fed children. This controlled-clinical trial was conducted on formula-fed children, aged 1 to 24 months, referring with acute non-bloody diarrhea [

Infection rate of cryptosporidium parvum among diarrheic children in Isfahan

Cryptosporidiosis is an important enteric parasitic infection among infants and children in developing countries with significant morbidity and mortality especially among immuno-suppressed individuals. The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of enteric cryptosporidiosis in children presenting with diarrhea in Isfahan. This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2007 to June 2008 in three university hospitals in Isfahan. Children aged 1 month to 10 years presenting with acute or persistent diarrhea were selected consecutively. The oocyst of C. parvum was investigated in stool specimens using a modified acid-fast staining method. During the study period, 606 children [mean age 42.4 +/- 30.0 months, 58.1% female] were recruited. Acute and persistent diarrhea was present in 422 [69.6%] and 184 [30.4%] of the children, respectively. Twenty eight [4.6%] specimens were oocyst positive. The prevalence of Cryptosporidium infection was significantly higher in children with persistent diarrhea compared to children with acute diarrhea [12.5% vs 1.2%; P<0.001]. Most of the infected children were under 5 years of age [89.2%], however, the age difference between infected and non-infected children was not statistically significant. Also, there was no significant difference between infected and non-infected children in gender. The prevalence of Cryptosporidiosis in children presenting with persistent diarrhea is considerable and we suggest routine stool examination for Cryptosporidium in this group of children