Probiotics are increasingly being used to prevent and treat gastrointestinal diseases, although there is only limited proof of their efficacy. The best studied paediatric indication is the treatment of infectious diarrhoea. Several studies have shown a statistically significant shortening of the duration of diarrhoea by approximately 24 h, which is of moderate clinical benefit. Efficacy depends on the probiotic strain, high doses, and early start of therapy. In adults there is additional proof for E.-coli-Nissle 1917 as maintenance therapy in ulcerative colitis and for VSL3 for treatment of pouchitis. Comparable studies in children are missing.      «

Probiotics are increasingly being used to prevent and treat gastrointestinal diseases, although there is only limited proof of their efficacy. The best studied paediatric indication is the treatment of infectious diarrhoea. Several studies have shown a statistically significant shortening of the duration of diarrhoea by approximately 24 h, which is of moderate clinical benefit. Efficacy depends on the probiotic strain, high doses, and early start of therapy. In adults there is additional proof f...     »