Effect of Montmorillonite powder on intestinal mucosal barrier in children with abdominal Henoch–Schonlein purpura: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND: Our previous studies found that intestinal barrier function has been changed in children with abdominal Henoch–Schonlein purpura (HSP). Montmorillonite has been shown to be protective for digestive tract mucosa. OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to investigate whether Montmorillonite powder could improve the intestinal mucosal barrier function in children with abdominal HSP. METHODS: Using a randomized controlled study design, we compared plasma levels of diamine oxidase (DAO), d-lactate, and endotoxin in children with abdominal HSP before and after Montmorillonite powder treatment. RESULTS: Among 28 patients in experimental group and 30 in control group, there was no significant difference in age, sex, height, weight, and course of disease between 2 groups (P > .05). Before treatment, there was no statistical difference in DAO, d-lactic acid, and endotoxin between experimental group and the control group (P > .05). However, significant differences were detected for DAO and d-lactate after treatment in comparison to before treatment in the Montmorillonite experimental group (P < .05). Such differences were not found in the control group (P > .05). CONCLUSION: Montmorillonite powder is effective in the treatment of HSP via maintaining intestinal mucosal barrier function.