1.
Probiotics have clinical, microbiologic, and immunologic efficacy in acute infectious diarrhea.
Chen, CC, Kong, MS, Lai, MW, Chao, HC, Chang, KW, Chen, SY, Huang, YC, Chiu, CH, Li, WC, Lin, PY, et al
The Pediatric infectious disease journal. 2010;(2):135-8
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute infectious diarrhea is a major cause of childhood morbidity and economic burden for families. We evaluate the clinical, microbiologic, and immunologic effects of probiotics in acute infectious diarrhea. METHODS Children (n = 304) aged 3 months to 6 years hospitalized for acute diarrhea were randomized to receive Bio-three (a mixture of Bacillus mesentericus, Enterococcus faecalis, and Clostridium butyricum) or placebo orally 3 times daily for 7 days. Fecal samples were homogenized for bacterial culture and blood cells were isolated for cell culture and cytokine analysis. This study is registered (NCT00463190). RESULTS The mean duration of diarrhea after start of therapy was 60.1 hours in the probiotics group versus 86.3 hours in the placebo group (P = 0.003). Hospital stay was shorter in the probiotics group than in the placebo group (P = 0.009). Counts of Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus species were elevated in stool culture of the probiotics (Bio-three) group. IL-10 was increased in the serum and supernatants of cell culture in the probiotics group, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha values were down-regulated. Interferon- gamma and IL-12 were mildly elevated in the probiotics group, compared with the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS This probiotics mixture reduced the severity of diarrhea and length of hospital stay in children with acute diarrhea. In addition to restoring beneficial intestinal flora, probiotics may enhance host protective immunity such as down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and up-regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines.
2.
The impact of constipation on growth in children.
Chao, HC, Chen, SY, Chen, CC, Chang, KW, Kong, MS, Lai, MW, Chiu, CH
Pediatric research. 2008;(3):308-11
Abstract
The observation on the impact of constipation on nutritional and growth status in healthy children was never reported. During a 4-y period, we evaluated the consequence of constipation on growth in children. The enrolled children were aged between 1 and 15 y with constipation. Medical response of constipation to treatment was evaluated by the scoring of constipation symptoms. The correlation of therapeutic effect of constipation with growth status at 12 wk and 24 wk was statistically evaluated. About 2426 children (1284 boys, 1142 girls) with a mean age of 7.31 +/- 3.65 (range 1.1-14.9) y were enrolled. After 12-wk treatment, significant increase of z-scores of height-for-age, weight-for-age, and body mass index-for-age were all found in patients with good medical responses (1377 cases) than in those with poor medical responses (1049 cases). The 1049 patients with poor medical response received advanced medications; significant increase of z-scores of height-for-age, weight-for-age, and body mass index were also found in these patients. A marked increase of appetite was significantly correlated with better gain on height and weight after treatment. We conclude that chronic constipation may retard growth status in children, and a long-term medication for constipation in children appears beneficial to their growth status.
3.
Keratosis punctata palmoplantaris controlled with topical retinoids: a case report and review of the literature.
Kong, MS, Harford, R, O'Neill, JT
Cutis. 2004;(3):173-9
Abstract
Keratosis punctata palmoplantaris (KPPP) is a rare genodermatosis with an autosomal-dominant pattern of inheritance. We report the case of a 61-year-old woman who presented with a long history of multiple symptomatic hyperkeratotic papules on the palms and soles. In addition, we review the literature and present the current classification of the heterogeneous group of punctate palmoplantar keratoses, the cutaneous and histologic findings, the differential diagnosis, the possible association with various anomalies including malignancies, and the various treatment options.