Meta‐analysis: Lactobacillus GG for treating acute gastroenteritis in children – updated analysis of randomised controlled trials

Summary Background The efficacy of each probiotic should be evaluated separately. Previously, we have shown that Lactobacillus GG (LGG) is effective in treating acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children. Aim To update our 2007 meta‐analysis on the effectiveness of LGG in treating AGE in children. Methods The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched from August 2006 (end date of last search) to May 2013, with no language restrictions, for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and meta‐analyses. Results Fifteen RCTs (2963 participants) met the inclusion criteria in this updated meta‐analysis. Combined data from 11 RCTs (n = 2444) showed that LGG significantly reduced the duration of diarrhoea compared with placebo or no treatment (mean difference, MD −1.05 days, 95% CI −1.7 to −0.4). LGG was more effective when used at a daily dose ≥1010 CFU (eight RCTs, n = 1488, MD −1.11 days, 95% CI −1.91 to −0.31) than when used at a daily dose