Journal of pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition
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J. Pediatr. Gastroenterol. Nutr. · Jan 2001
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialSmectite in the treatment of acute diarrhea: a nationwide randomized controlled study of the Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology (SIGEP) in collaboration with primary care pediatricians. SIGEP Study Group for Smectite in Acute Diarrhea.
Childhood gastroenteritis is associated with considerable health costs. The natural clay dioctahedral smectite increases intestinal barrier function and is effective against infectious diarrhea in children in developing countries. The purpose of this work was to investigate the efficacy of smectite in Italian children with acute diarrhea of mild to moderate severity. ⋯ Smectite reduces the duration of diarrhea and prevents a prolonged course. It may therefore consistently reduce the costs of gastroenteritis.