[Smectite in AIDS-associated chronic idiopathic diarrhea]. / Diosmectite nella diarrea cronica idiopatica in corso di AIDS.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: A prospective clinical survey was carried out in order to determine the effects of Smectite in patients with AIDS-associated chronic idiopathic diarrhea. METHODS: A total of 22 patients has been included in this study. All patients received smectite, 3 g orally three times daily far from meals for a period of 10-21 days. The outcome of chronic diarrhea has been evaluated during treatment. RESULTS: A significant reduction of duration of diarrhea, of frequency of stool number, and of the amount of liquid stools, has been recorded in all patients after the third and the fourth day of treatment. No major adverse effects and drug interactions have been documented in all treated patients. CONCLUSIONS: Smectite may be considered as adjuvant therapy in patients with AIDS-associated chronic idiopathic diarrhea by virtue of its efficacy and tolerability.