Probiotics v control (placebo or no probiotics) in children and adults with proven or presumed infectious diarrhoea*

OutcomesNumber of studies (n)Weighted event ratesRRR (95% CI)NNT (CI)
ProbioticsControl
*Abbreviations defined in glossary; RRR, NNT, and CI calculated from data in article.
†Based on a random effects model (significant heterogeneity among trials).
‡Based on a fixed effects model.
Diarrhoea for ⩾3 days†15 (1341)40%62%34% (23 to 45)5 (4 to 8)
Diarrhoea for ⩾4 days†13 (1228)17%45%69% (50 to 81)4 (3 to 6)
Weighted mean difference (CI)
Mean duration of diarrhoea (h)†12 (970)−30.48 (−42.46 to −18.51)
Mean stool frequency (day 2)‡5 (417)−1.51 (−1.85 to −1.17)
Mean stool frequency (day 3)‡4 (447)−1.31 (−1.56 to −1.07)