The study is an open-label, randomized, controlled clinical trial aimed at comparing the efficacy of the enterosorbent Polymethylsiloxane Polyhydrate (PMSPH) and the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri as adjunct treatments for Rotavirus Gastroenteritis in children.

 Key Efficacy Results: No Significant Difference

The comparative analysis showed no statistically significant difference in therapeutic efficacy between Polymethylsiloxane Polyhydrate and the probiotic Lactobacillus reuteri across all primary outcome measures:

Duration of Symptoms until Recovery: The median duration was 6 days in both groups. This duration aligns with reported data on the natural course of rotavirus illness, which complicates confirming any additional benefit from the adjunctive therapies.

Duration of Hospital Stay / Day Hospital Visits.

Total number of liquid stools during the illness.

 Context and Conflicts in Probiotic Use

While meta-analyses, such as the Cochrane review, indicate that probiotics can shorten the duration of diarrhea (by approximately 25 hours on average), data from other studies are highly variable.

Some research has found a significant effect only with specific strains (e.g., Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG), while others, including those recommended by major organizations like the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, failed to show an advantage over placebo.

Given the ambiguous data, the strength of the recommendation for probiotics in treating acute gastroenteritis has been reduced from strong to weak.

 Safety Profile and Conclusion

Both investigated treatments demonstrated a similarly excellent safety profile.

However, probiotics carry certain contraindications (e.g., congenital immune deficiencies or damaged bowel mucous membranes). In these clinical scenarios, Polymethylsiloxane Polyhydrate can serve as a safe and effective alternative.

In conclusion, the study results support the use of Polymethylsiloxane Polyhydrate as an adjunct therapy alongside Oral Rehydration Therapy in the management of rotavirus gastroenteritis in children aged 6 months and older.

Full Article:For complete data, including detailed statistical analyses, graphs, tables, and full methodological information, please proceed to read the original scientific article: Full Article