This randomized controlled trial will compare Bacillus clausii (Enterogermina) and a multistrain probiotic preparation (Ecotec) in children aged 1-5 years with acute watery diarrhea. Participants will receive one of the probiotic treatments along with standard therapy including oral rehydration solution and zinc supplementation. The study will evaluate the duration of diarrhea, stool frequency, and stool consistency.
Acute watery diarrhea is a major cause of morbidity among children worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Although oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc supplementation remain the cornerstone of treatment, probiotics are increasingly used as adjunctive therapy to reduce the duration and severity of illness. Bacillus clausii and multistrain probiotic preparations have both demonstrated beneficial effects in children with acute diarrhea. However, evidence comparing their relative effectiveness is limited. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of Bacillus clausii (Enterogermina) and a multistrain probiotic preparation (Ecotec) containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium species, and Streptococcus thermophilus in the management of acute watery diarrhea in children. This study is a randomized, open-label, parallel-group controlled trial conducted in the Department of Pediatric Medicine at The Children's Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore. A total of 138 children aged 1-5 years with acute watery diarrhea will be enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio into two treatment groups. Participants in Group A will receive Bacillus clausii (Enterogermina) once daily for 5 days in addition to ORS and zinc supplementation. Participants in Group B will receive the multistrain probiotic preparation (Ecotec) once daily for 5 days in addition to ORS and zinc supplementation. The primary outcome is duration of diarrhea. Secondary outcomes include stool frequency and stool consistency during the treatment period. The findings of this study may help identify the more effective probiotic strategy for the management of acute watery diarrhea in children and contribute to evidence-based pediatric practice.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
138
Bacillus clausii oral suspension containing 2 billion spores administered once daily for 5 days.
Multistrain probiotic preparation containing Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Bifidobacterium species, and Streptococcus thermophilus administered once daily for 5 days.
Children Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Duration of Diarrhea
The duration of acute diarrhea is determined by the timeframe (measured in days) spanning from the initial occurrence of abnormal (loose or liquid) stools to the subsequent return of normal stool consistency. This assessment will consider both the frequency of daily stools and their consistency.
Time frame: Up to 5 days after initiation of treatment
Daily Stool Frequency
Number of stools passed per day during the treatment period.
Time frame: Daily for 5 days after initiation of treatment
Stool Consistency
Change in stool consistency assessed daily during the treatment period.
Time frame: Daily for 5 days after initiation of treatment
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