Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous studies found that intestinal barrier function has been changed in children with abdominal Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP). Montmorillonite has been shown to be protective for digestive tract mucosa. OBJECTIVE The present study aimed to investigate whether Montmorillonite powder could improve the intestinal mucosal barrier function in children with abdominal HSP. METHODS Using a randomized controlled study design, we compared plasma levels of diamine oxidase (DAO), D-lactate, and endotoxin in children with abdominal HSP before and after Montmorillonite powder treatment. RESULTS Among 28 patients in experimental group and 30 in control group, there was no significant difference in age, sex, height, weight, and course of disease between 2 groups (P > .05). Before treatment, there was no statistical difference in DAO, D-lactic acid, and endotoxin between experimental group and the control group (P > .05). However, significant differences were detected for DAO and D-lactate after treatment in comparison to before treatment in the Montmorillonite experimental group (P < .05). Such differences were not found in the control group (P > .05). CONCLUSION Montmorillonite powder is effective in the treatment of HSP via maintaining intestinal mucosal barrier function.
