Management of functional abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome in children and adolescents

Glucomannan for abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders in children: a randomized trial

AIM

To assess the efficacy of glucomannan (GNN) as the sole treatment for abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs).

METHODS

We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial. Patients were recruited among children referred to the Department of Paediatrics, Medical University of Warsaw. Included in the study were children aged 7-17 years with abdominal pain-related FGIDs classified according to the Rome III diagnostic criteria. The children were randomly assigned to receive GNN, a polysaccharide of 1,4-D-glucose and D-mannose, a soluble fiber from the Japanese Konjac plant, at a dosage of 2.52 g/d (1 sachet of 1.26 g 2 times a day), or a comparable placebo (maltodextrin) at the same dosage. The content of each sachet was dissolved in approximately 125 mL of fluid and was consumed twice daily for 4 wk.

RESULTS

Of the 89 eligible children, 84 (94%) completed the study. "No pain" and "treatment success" (defined as no pain or a decrease ≥ 2/6 points on the FACES Pain Scale Revised) were similar in the GNN (n = 41) and placebo (n = 43) groups [no pain (12/41 vs 6/43, respectively; RR = 2.1, 95%CI: 0.87-5.07) as well as treatment success (23/41 vs 20/43; RR = 1.2, 95%CI: 0.79-1.83)]. No significant differences between the groups were observed in the secondary outcomes, such as abdominal cramps, abdominal bloating/gassiness, episodes of nausea or vomiting, or a changed in stool consistency. GNN demonstrated no significant influence on the number of children requiring rescue therapy, school absenteeism, or daily activities.

CONCLUSION

In our setting, GNN, as dosed in this study, was no more effective than the placebo in achieving therapeutic success in the management of FGIDs in children.

Importance of addressing anxiety in youth with functional abdominal pain: suggested guidelines for physicians

Functional abdominal pain (FAP) is a common pediatric disorder associated with impairment in functioning that may persist for the long term. Anxiety is common in youth with FAP, and may be an important factor in predicting youth who are at greatest risk for increased impairment because of pain symptoms. In this article, we examine the relation between anxiety and impairment in youth with FAP. Furthermore, we explore various biopsychosocial factors (eg, neurobiological substrates, coping strategies, social factors) that may be implicated in the relation among FAP, anxiety, and increased impairment. Finally, we propose physician guidelines for screening and treatment of youth with FAP and co-occurring anxiety. Youth with FAP and co-occurring anxiety may benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy in the context of multidisciplinary care.

Antidepressants for functional gastrointestinal disorders in children

QUESTION

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are complex conditions I see in some of my pediatric patients. The indications for antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) do not include treatment of FGIDs; however, some children are prescribed SSRIs for this condition. Are antidepressants effective and safe to use for treating FGIDs in children and adolescents?

ANSWER

The pathogenesis of FGIDs is largely idiopathic, and although theories exist to explain why SSRIs might be used to treat FGIDs, there is no conclusive evidence of their effectiveness. No large, well controlled studies have investigated the use of SSRIs to treat FGIDs in the pediatric population. There is also evidence that suggests an increased risk of suicidal thoughts when adolescents use SSRIs. Currently, there is no recommendation to use SSRIs to treat FGIDs in children.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum in pediatric functional abdominal pain

AIM

To assess the effects of partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) diet supplement in pediatric chronic abdominal pain (CAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind pilot study was performed in sixty children (8-16 years) with functional bowel disorders, such as CAP or IBS, diagnosed according to Rome III criteria. All patients underwent ultrasound, blood and stool examinations to rule out any organic disease. Patients were allocated to receive PHGG at dosage of 5 g/d (n = 30) or placebo (fruit-juice n = 30) for 4 wk. The evaluation of the efficacy of fiber supplement included IBS symptom severity score (Birmingham IBS Questionnaire), severity of abdominal pain (Wong-Baker Face Pain Rating Score) and bowel habit (Bristol Stool Scale). Symptom scores were completed at 2, 4, and 8 wk. The change from baseline in the symptom severity scale at the end of treatment and at 4 wk follow-up after treatment was the primary endpoint. The secondary endpoint was to evaluate compliance to supplementation with the PHGG in the pediatric population. Differences within groups during the treatment period and follow-up were evaluated by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.

RESULTS

The results of the study were assessed considering some variables, such as frequency and intensity of symptoms with modifications of the bowel habit. Both groups were balanced for baseline characteristics and all patients completed the study. Group A (PHGG group) presented a higher level of efficacy compared to group B (control group), (43% vs 5%, P = 0.025) in reducing clinical symptoms with modification of Birmingham IBS score (median 0 ± 1 vs 4 ± 1, P = 0.025), in intensity of CAP assessed with the Wong-Baker Face Pain Rating Score and in normalization of bowel habit evaluated with the Bristol Stool Scale (40% vs 13.3%, P = 0.025). In IBS subgroups, statistical analysis shown a tendency toward normalization of bowel movements, but there was no difference in the prevalence of improvement in two bowel habit subsets. PHGG was therefore better tolerated without any adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Although the cause of pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders is not known, the results show that complementary therapy with PHGG may have beneficial effects on symptom control.

Schmerzbehandlung

Zwar lassen sich die meisten abdominalen Schmerzen lokalisieren, allerdings ist der Ort des stärksten Schmerzes nicht unbedingt identisch mit dem Ort der Schmerzentstehung. Dennoch empfiehlt sich zur Schmerzlokalisation ein systematisches Vorgehen, das – je nach klinischer Erfahrung des Untersuchers und der Akutheit des Geschehens – selbstverständlich auch abgekürzt werden kann: Zunächst wird davon ausgegangen, dass Schmerzlokalisation und Ort der Schmerzentstehung identisch sind. Es sind entsprechende gezielte Untersuchungsmaßnahmen einzuleiten (klinische Untersuchung, klinisch-chemische Diagnostik, Bildgebung). Ab dem Schulalter kann die angegebene Schmerzqualität wertvolle Hinweise auf die Schmerzursache geben. Ergeben sich keine Hinweise auf die zugrunde liegende (lokale) Schmerzursache, wird der Blick mehr auf diejenigen inneren Organe gerichtet, die über die Head- Zonen mit dem Ort der Schmerzlokalisation korrespondieren. Wird man auch hier nicht fündig, muss an eine Läsion im Verlauf der Afferenz gedacht werden. Übrig bleiben schließlich idiopathische Schmerzen, bei denen der Schmerz selbst die Krankheit darstellt und keine zu behandelnden Ursachen aufzufinden sind (Migräne, funktionelle Bauchschmerzen etc.). Davon abzugrenzen sind noch definierte kinderpsychiatrische Krankheiten, die mit Schmerzen einhergehen können.