Assessing Probiotic Efficacy in Treating Acute Diarrhea in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials

Abstract

Background: Acute diarrhea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among children, especially in developing countries. Probiotics have been suggested as a potential therapeutic intervention to alleviate symptoms of diarrhea by modulating gut microbiota and enhancing immune responses. Methods: Following the PRISMA guidelines, databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, and SagePub were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published from 2010 to 2024 that evaluated the use of probiotics for pediatric acute diarrhea. Results: Five studies involving various probiotic strains, including Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, and a combination of mixed strains, were analyzed. Conclusion: Probiotics, particularly Lactobacillus strains, can be beneficial in the management of pediatric acute diarrhea, especially in milder cases. However, their efficacy may vary depending on the strain and clinical context. Further research is required to identify the most effective strains and optimal patient populations to guide clinical decision-making.