Antisecretory factor effectively and safely stops childhood diarrhoea: a placebo‐controlled, randomised study. (10th March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zaman, Shakila; Aamir, Khalida; Lange, Stefan; Jennische, Eva; Silfverdal, Sven‐Arne; Hanson, Lars Å
• Is Part Of: Acta pædiatrica. Volume 103:Number 6(2014:Jun.)
• Page Start: 659
• Page End: 664
• Publication Date: 2014-03-10
• Subjects: Pediatrics -- Periodicals; Pediatrics; 618.92
• DOI: 10.1111/apa.12581
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0803-5253

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="apa12581-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="apa12581-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>We studied the response to high doses of egg yolk containing antisecretory factor (B221<sup>®</sup>, Salovum<sup>®</sup>) in young children with acute diarrhoea, presenting to the Children's Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.</p> </sec> <sec id="apa12581-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>In a randomised, placebo‐controlled trial, 36 children aged 7 to 60 months with acute diarrhoea of unknown aetiology, with mild‐to‐moderate dehydration, were randomised to the Salovum<sup>®</sup> or placebo groups. Initially, 16 grams of Salovum<sup>®</sup> or ordinary egg yolk (placebo) mixed in oral rehydration salts was given, followed by 8 g every 5 h until recovery. The number and consistency of stools were recorded.</p> </sec> <sec id="apa12581-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>The two groups were comparable in age, gender, duration of diarrhoea, hydration and nutritional status, although the proportion with watery stools was higher in the Salovum<sup>®</sup> group (p = 0.04). Reduction in the frequency of stools was seen at 7 versus 18 h (p < 0.0001) and normalising of stool consistency was 10 versus 18 h, p < 0.03) in the Salovum<sup>®</sup> and placebo groups. The overall effect was 35 versus 70 h in the two groups (p = 0.001). No side effects were reported.</p> </sec> <sec id="apa12581-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>High doses of AF in the form of Salovum<sup>®</sup> effectively and safely reduce childhood diarrhoea of a likely broad aetiology.</p> </sec> </abstract>