Partially hydrolyzed guar gum-supplemented oral rehydration solution in the treatment of acute diarrhea in children

Background: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (Benefiber; Novartis Nutrition, M inneapolis, MN, U.S.A.) is fermented by colonic bacteria liberating short-c hain fatty acids (SCFAs), which accelerate colonic absorption of salt and w ater. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Benefiber (BF )supplemented World Wealth Organization Oral Rehydration Solution (WHO ORS) in the treatment of acute noncholera diarrhea in children. Methods: A double-blind, randomized, controlled clinical trial was performe d at ICDDR,B in 150 male children aged 4 to 18 months who had watery diarrh ea of less than 48 hours' duration. After admission, children were assigned to receive either WHO ORS or BF-supplemented WHO ORS until recovery. Major outcome measures, such as duration of diarrhea and amount of stool output, were compared between the treatment groups. Results: Patients receiving BF-supplemented WHO ORS had significantly reduc ed duration of diarrhea compared with the control group (mean +/- SD, 74 +/ - 37 vs. 90 +/- 50 hours, P = 0.03). Survival analysis for duration of diar rhea also showed a reduction the BF-supplemented WHO ORS-treated group (P = 0.025, log rank test). There was also less stool output daily from days 2 through 7 in the patients treated with BF-supplemented WHO ORS compared wit h that in the children treated with WHO ORS; the reduction was significant on day 7 only. Conclusion: Benefiber added to standard WHO ORS substantially reduces the d uration of diarrhea and modestly reduced stool output in acute noncholera d iarrhea in young children, indicating its potential as a new antidiarrheal therapy for acute diarrhea in children.