Effect of probiotics on constipation in children

Background: Constipation in children is a common problem. A constipated child has infrequent bowel movements or hard, dry stools. This is a randomized controlled trial to find the relationship between probiotics and constipation in children. Methods: This study was a randomized, controlled blinded trial conducted in Department of Paediatric. This was done during a period of January 2014 to January 2016 conducted in 50 patients. The patients were divided into two groups randomly namely group A who received lactulose plus protexin daily and group B who received lactulose plus placebo alone. Results: Males were 15 (60%) and females were 10 (40%) in group A and in group B, males were 10 (40%) and females were 15 (60%). Faecal incontinence was in 13 (52%) in group A and in 10 (40%) in group B. Abdominal pain was in 16 (64%) in group A and was in 14 (56%) in group B. The stool frequency and consistency improved significantly. There was a significant improvement in fecal incontinence and abdominal pain in the Group A, and at the end of the fourth week, this difference was not significant and there was improvement significantly in weight gain. Side effects were not seen in the during the treatment. Conclusions: This study shows that there was a positive effect of probiotics on constipation in children.