Pediatrics

Pediatrics

Articles tagged with "Pediatrics".

Meta‑Analysis: S. boulardii Shortens Duration of Acute Diarrhoea in Children

Tags: Gut Health, Pediatrics, Probiotics

September 27, 2025

Dr. Kumar’s Take

This meta‑analysis gives strong validation to what has been long understood in clinical practice: using S. boulardii for acute infectious diarrhoea in children cuts down the misery. Fewer loose stools and shorter illness duration. Though not perfect, it’s strong enough evidence that probiotic adjunct therapy should be considered in standard protocols for childhood gastroenteritis.

Key Takeaways

  • Based on 5 randomized controlled trials with 619 children suffering acute infectious diarrhoea.
  • On average, S. boulardii shortens diarrhoea duration by about 1.1 days compared to placebo or control.
  • Greater proportion of children had resolved diarrhoea by days 3, 6, and 7 in the S. boulardii groups.
  • Risk of diarrhoea lasting more than 7 days significantly reduced; Number Needed to Treat (NNT) about 5 in that subgroup.
  • Safety: no major adverse effects reported; tolerability was good.

Actionable Tip

For children with acute infectious diarrhoea, start Saccharomyces boulardii (roughly 250 mg twice daily, depending on age and formulation) alongside standard care like rehydration. Expect illness duration shortened by about one day if used early.

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S. boulardii Speeds Recovery in Acute Childhood Diarrhoea

Tags: Gut Health, Pediatrics, Probiotics

September 26, 2025

Dr. Kumar’s Take

This RCT is one of the cleanest pediatric studies I’ve seen on acute infective diarrhea: children under 2 years, mild to moderate illness, treated as outpatients. S. boulardii added to ORS helped them recover about 1.5 days sooner, reduced stool frequency, and lowered the risk of prolonged diarrhea. For early intervention in young children, this is evidence you want in your toolbox.

Key Takeaways

  • 100 children aged 3 to 24 months with mild‐to‐moderate diarrhea of less than 7 days duration.
  • S. boulardii given for 6 days alongside oral rehydration solution (ORS).
  • Mean diarrhea duration dropped from ~6.16 days (placebo) to ~4.70 days with S. boulardii.
  • Stool frequency on the 4th day was significantly lower in treatment arm.
  • Risk of diarrhea lasting >7 days reduced by about 75%.

Actionable Tip

For infants and toddlers (<2 years) with newly onset acute infectious diarrhea, start S. boulardii early (preferably within 48 hours), at a standard pediatric dose (250 mg twice daily or equivalent), together with ORS, for about 5‑6 days. You’ll likely see faster recovery and fewer stools by day 4.

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Saccharomyces boulardii Cuts Risk of Antibiotic‑Associated Diarrhea in Children

Tags: Gut Health, Pediatrics, Probiotics, Antibiotics

September 22, 2025

Dr. Kumar’s Take

For children who often more vulnerable to antibiotic‑associated effects, this RCT shows that Saccharomyces boulardii isn’t just helpful: it provides a large protective effect. This study gives a strong case for incorporating S. boulardii alongside antibiotics, especially for high‑risk children.

Key Takeaways

  • Study involved 269 children, ages 6 months to 14 years.
  • All were prescribed antibiotics for otitis media or respiratory infections.
  • Children who took S. boulardii had only 8% incidence of diarrhea vs 23% in placebo.
  • Risk of confirmed AAD dropped from 17.3% to 3.4%.
  • Relative risk reduction was ~70–80%.
  • S. boulardii was well tolerated with no reported adverse effects.

Actionable Tip

If a child is prescribed antibiotics, adding S. boulardii 250 mg twice daily (starting on day one) can significantly reduce the chance of diarrhea. Continue until the antibiotic course ends.

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