Lactobacillus GG in the Prevention of
Antibiotic-associated Diarrhea in Children

FROM:   J Pediatr 1999 (Nov); 135 (5): 564–568

Vanderhoof JA, Whitney DB, Antonson DL, Hanner TL, Lupo JV, Young RJ

Department of Pediatrics,
University of Nebraska, Omaha, USA

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OBJECTIVE:   The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of Lactobacillus casei sps. rhamnosus (Lactobacillus GG) (LGG) in reducing the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea when coadministered with an oral antibiotic in children with acute infectious disorders.

STUDY DESIGN:   Two hundred two children between 6 months and 10 years of age were enrolled; 188 completed all phases of the protocol. LGG, 1 x 10(10) - 2 x 10(10) colony forming units per day, or comparable placebo was administered in a double-blind randomized trial to children receiving oral antibiotic therapy in an outpatient setting. The primary caregiver was questioned every 3 days regarding the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms, predominantly stool frequency and consistency, through telephone contact by blinded investigators.

RESULTS:   Twenty-five placebo-treated but only 7 LGG-treated patients had diarrhea as defined by liquid stools numbering 2 or greater per day. Lactobacillus GG overall significantly reduced stool frequency and increased stool consistency during antibiotic therapy by the tenth day compared with the placebo group.

CONCLUSION:   Lactobacillus GG reduces the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea in children treated with oral antibiotics for common childhood infections.

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