Dr. M. R. Savita, G.M.C., Mysore

Introduction:
Acute diarrheal disorder is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in children under 5 years of age in developing countries. Racecadotril is being proposed as a new WONDER drug in management of acute watery diarrhea in children.

Objective:
To assess the efficacy and adverse effects profile of Racecadotrial in Indian children with acute watery diarrhea.

Design:
Double blind, randomized placebo controlled clinical trial.

Setting:
Urban teaching hospital and a referral center.

Subjects:
Children aged less than or equal to 5 years with acute diarrheal disorder.

Methods:
60 Children aged less than or equal to 5 years with acute diarrheal disorder of 5 days duration or less, were randomized into Racecadotril group (n = 30) or placebo group (n = 30) in addition to oral rehydration therapy. The mean duration of diarrhea and vomiting after randomization, total ORS intake and time taken for correction of dehydration were assessed.

Results:
The baseline characteristics before randomization were comparable between Racecadotril and placebo group. Racecadotril group had a significant reduction in duration of diarrhea [40 hrs Vs 61.6 hrs in placebo group, p<0.01] and total ORS intake [841.67 ml Vs 1385 ml in placebo group, P' < 0.001] No adverse effects were documented in the Racecadotril group.

Conclusion:
This study demonstrated that Racecadotrial therapy is effective and safe in the management of acute watery diarrhea in children.

How to cite this url:
Karnataka Pedicon 2005 - Conference Abstracts.Pediatric Oncall [serial online] 2006 [cited 01 January 2006];3. Available from:
http://www.pediatriconcall.com/fordoctor/Conference_
abstracts/racecadotrial.asp