Efficacy and safety of Saccharomyces boulardii CNCM I-745 for the treatment of pediatric acute diarrhea in China: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Background Pediatric acute gastroenteritis (PAGE) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality, especially in children under five years old. Therapeutic strategies including probiotics have been investigated, but trials from non-English speaking countries may not be easily accessible. Aim To determine the efficacy of Saccharomyces boulardii compared to controls for treating PAGE in children receiving standard rehydration therapy in trials conducted in China. Methods Systematic review and meta-analysis using literature search with Google Scholar, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and China Biology Medicine disc (from inception to June 30, 2024) of randomized, controlled trials comparing S. boulardii CNCM I-745 to controls for the treatment of PAGE in children conducted in China. Independent data extraction by two reviewers. Standard meta-analysis methods were applied and random-effect or fixed-effects models were used depending upon the degree of heterogeneity using standardized mean differences for continuous data and relative risk estimates for dichotomous outcomes. The risk of bias for each study was determined and heterogeneity was measured by I2. Results Of 851 articles screened, 10 RCTs (1125 participants) met the inclusion criteria, and none were found in non-Chinese databases. S. boulardii CNCM I-745 was found to significantly reduce the duration of PAGE (SMD=-1.63 days, 95% CI -2.08, -1.18), improve the total effectiveness…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid. Reported size: 1,125 participants or records.
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