DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjams.2025.v13i06.006

Pages: 1272-1278

Background: Acute diarrhea is a frequent and exacerbated side effect in pediatric cancer patients on immunosuppressive therapies, with limited treatment options, especially for the immunocompromised. Gelatin tannate (GT) shows promise in improving stool consistency and shortening diarrhea, but its efficacy and safety in these patients are unclear. Objectives: This study assessed GT's effectiveness in treating acute diarrhea in children with cancer, compared to cancer patients not using GT and healthy children using GT. Methods: A retrospective case-control study at a tertiary hospital included children aged 1-18 years with acute diarrhea. Three groups were analyzed: cancer patients not using GT (Group 1), cancer patients using GT (Group 2), and healthy children using GT (Group 3). Stool frequency, Bristol Stool Scale (BSS) scores, and diarrhea duration were assessed. Results: GT significantly improved stool consistency (p = 0.024) and reduced diarrhea duration (p = 0.007). From day 3 (p = 0.001) to day 5 (p < 0.001), immunocompromised children (Group 2) and healthy controls (Group 3) had significantly lower BSS scores and faster diarrhea resolution than Group 1. No notable adverse effects occurred. ANOVA showed significant group differences in leukocyte counts (p < 0.001), diagnosis (p < 0.001), and clinical indicators of diarrhea. Conclusions: GT significantly improves stool consistency and reduces diarrhea duration in pediatric cancer patients, suggesting it is safe and effective treatment. Its non-absorbable nature makes it a potential probiotic alternative for immunocompromised children. Further prospective studies are needed.