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TL;DR
The combination therapy significantly improved growth indicators like weight gain and hematologic parameters compared to RUTF alone over a two-month period.
Children · 8 authors, 4 centres
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The combination therapy significantly improved growth indicators like weight gain and hematologic parameters compared to RUTF alone over a two-month period.
This double-blind parallel RCT evaluated the efficacy of adding a prebiotic (GOS) to standard RUTF therapy for children with uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition in Pakistan. The primary outcome was the proportion achieving >15% weight gain at two months. The study found that growth indicators, including mean weight, mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), and hematologic parameters (Hb, HCT, platelets, MCV, MCH, albumin), improved in both groups but were significantly more improved in the RUTF + prebiotics group. No severe adverse events were reported. The authors conclude that prebiotic supplementation is an efficient, effective, and safe adjunct therapy. Limitations include the short two-month follow-up, potential lack of generalizability due to the single-district rural setting, and the need for longer-term studies to assess sustainability.