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Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study was to compare the effect of bovine colostrum with that of prebiotics in children with acute gastroenteritis. Background Gastroenteritis is a major global problem and affects infants in both developing and developed countries. Viral infection is the most common cause of gastroenteritis. Rotavirus is the most common virus causing gastroenteritis in children. It accounts for significant morbidity and mortality in children younger than 5 years of age. It is estimated that 3-5 billion cases of gastroenteritis occur globally on an annual basis, primarily affecting children and those in the developing world. It resulted in about 1.3 million deaths in children younger than 5 years as of 2008. Patients and methods Two hundred children aged 1-5 years were prospectively included in this study. They were divided into four groups: group 1 included 50 children who received prebiotics (lactobacillus LB) one sachet twice daily for 5 days along with traditional medications (oral rehydration salts (ORS), intravenous fluids, and symptomatic treatment). Group 2 included 50 children who received one sachet of the first 6 h bovine colostrum once daily for 5 days along with traditional medications. Group 3 included 50 children who received prebiotic and bovine colostrum plus traditional medications. Group 4 included 50 children who received traditional medications only. All patients were compared with respect to the following: hospital stay, number of diarrheal and vomiting attacks before and after treatment, intravenous fluid therapy before and after treatment, any other complication during the course of the disease (central nervous system and chest complications), laboratory investigations, and associated symptoms (fever, headache, anorexia, malaise). Results In this study we found that the group that received prebiotic and bovine colostrum had better results than the other groups in terms of duration of hospital stay, number of diarrheal and vomiting attacks, degree of dehydration, electrolyte disturbance, rehydration method, and associated complications. No significant difference was seen among the groups regarding pretreatment clinical status. Conclusion Early use of both bovine colostrum and prebiotics in children with acute gastroenteritis decreases the duration of hospital stay, the number of vomiting and diarrheal attacks, the degree of dehydration, intravenous fluid therapy, electrolyte disturbance, and associated complications.

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