The New Rome IV Criteria for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Infants and Toddlers

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common worldwide and cover a wide range of disorders attributable to the gastrointestinal tract that cannot be explained by structural or biochemical abnormalities. The diagnosis of these disorders relies on the symptom-based Rome criteria. In 2016 the Rome criteria were revised for infants/toddlers and for children and adolescents. In this review, we discuss the novel Rome IV criteria for infants and toddlers. The criteria for infant colic were drastically changed, whereas only minor changes were made for regurgitation, cyclic vomiting syndrome, functional diarrhea, infant dyschezia and functional constipation. In addition to this, the new Rome IV discusses underlying mechanisms of pain in infants and toddlers, including the neuro-development of nociceptive and pain pathways, the various factors that are involved in pain experience, and methods of pain assessment in infants and toddlers is essential for the clinician who encounters functional pain in this age group. Overall, the Rome IV criteria have become more distinctive for all disorders in order to improve the process of diagnosing pediatric FGID

The prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome-type symptoms in inflammatory bowel disease patients in remission

Objective Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and are believed to reflect ongoing inflammation. Consequently, a low prevalence of IBS-type symptoms in IBD patients with normal inflammatory markers is expected. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of IBS-type symptoms in IBD patients in biochemical remission (evidenced by low fecal calprotectin levels) and the relationship of these symptoms with fecal calprotectin levels. Patients and methods In this observational, cross-sectional study, we included all adults with a history of IBD who had calprotectin levels less than 200 mu g/g during routine follow-up between August 2014 and May 2015 at our hospital. Patients were excluded if calprotectin was measured because of gastrointestinal complaints. All patients were approached by telephone to evaluate the presence of IBS-type symptoms using Rome III questionnaires. Patients fulfilling IBS criteria were subclassified according to bowel habits. Results In total, 74 patients were included; 33 (45%, 95% confidence interval: 34-56%) fulfilled the IBS criteria. A larger proportion of Crohn's disease patients with IBS-type symptoms had ileal disease compared with Crohn's disease patients without IBS symptoms (55 vs. 24%; P= 0.03). Other characteristics were similar between groups. No difference was found in calprotectin levels between patients with and without IBS-type symptoms (P= 0.91). The majority of patients with IBS-type symptoms had diarrhea-predominant or mixed-type IBS (64 and 27% of patients with IBS-type symptoms, respectively). Conclusion The prevalence of IBS-type symptoms in IBD patients in biochemical remission is high. A significant proportion of IBS-type symptoms is unrelated to ongoing inflammation and probably reflects 'true IBS'. Copyright (C) 2017 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. All rights reserve

Protocol for a pilot randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial for assessing the feasibility and efficacy of faecal microbiota transplantation in adolescents with refractory irritable bowel syndrome: FAIS Trial

Background Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common chronic medical condition, in both children and adults. Despite the availability of effective (non)pharmacological treatments, symptoms persist in a significant amount of patients with IBS. Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) may be an effective alternative treatment in adolescents with refractory IBS through manipulation of the intestinal microbiota. Methods and analysis This randomised, placebo-controlled single-centre pilot study will assess feasibility and efficacy of FMT in 30 adolescents (16-21 years) with refractory IBS. Patients will be randomly allocated (1:1) to receive two allogeneic (healthy donor) or two autologous (own) faecal infusions at baseline and after 6 weeks. Primary outcomes will assess feasibility, including patient and donor recruitment, adherence and incidence rates of adverse events. To evaluate clinical efficacy, secondary outcomes will include the proportion of patients with at least >50% reduction of their abdominal pain intensity and frequency 12 weeks after the first FMT, and after 6-month and 12-month follow-up. Other outcomes comprise changes in faecal gut microbiota composition, quality of life, depression and anxiety, school or work absenteeism and adequate relief, measured directly after FMTs and after 6 and 12 months of follow-up. Discussion This randomised controlled trial will investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of repetitive FMTs in adolescents with refractory IBS. Ethics and dissemination The study is approved by the Medical Research Ethics Committees AMC (MEC-AMC) in the Netherlands. Trial registration number NCT03074227

Epidemiology of Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders and Functional Defecation Disorders in Adolescents in Curacao

OBJECTIVES: Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) and functional defecation disorders (FDDs) are common in children and adolescents, but prevalence rates from the Caribbean are lacking. Therefore, our aim was to determine the prevalence of FAPDs and FDDs in adolescents in Curacao and to assess the influence of psychosocial factors on the prevalence of FAPDs and FDDs. METHODS: The prevalence of FAPDs and FDDs in children and adolescents living in Curacao, ages 11 to 18 years, was assessed using the Rome IV Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders (RIV-QPGD). FAPDs and FDDs were diagnosed according to the Rome IV criteria. Sociodemographic characteristics, somatic symptoms, early adverse life events, stressful life events, and physical and emotional abuse were evaluated as associated factors. RESULTS: Out of 946 questionnaires distributed, 783 were included for further analysis. The mean age of adolescents was 14.7 years (±1.6) with 61.7% being girls. A total of 266 adolescents (34%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 30.7-37.5) met Rome IV criteria for at least 1 FAPD or FDD. Twenty-nine adolescents (3.7%) qualified for 2 functional gastrointestinal disorders. Functional constipation (18.6%) and irritable bowel syndrome (12.3%) were the most prevalent disorders. After multivariate logistic regression analyses, dizziness (odds ratio [OR] 1.84, 95% CI 1.28-2.64) was significantly associated with having a FAPD or FDD. CONCLUSIONS: FAPDs and FDDs are common in adolescents in Curacao. Dizziness is associated with the presence of a FAPD or FDD

Functional abdominal pain disorders in children

Chronic abdominal pain is a common problem in pediatric practice. The majority of cases fulfill the Rome IV criteria for functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs). At times, these disorders may lead to rather serious repercussions. Area covered: We have attempted to cover current knowledge on epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors related to pathophysiology, clinical evaluation and management of children with FAPDs. Expert commentary: FAPDs are a worldwide problem with a pooled prevalence of 13.5%. There are a number of predisposing factors and pathophysiological mechanisms including stressful events, child maltreatment, visceral hypersensitivity, altered gastrointestinal motility and change in intestinal microbiota. It is possible that the environmental risk factors intricately interact with genes through epigenetic mechanisms to contribute to the pathophysiology. The diagnosis mainly depends on clinical evaluation. Commonly used pharmacological interventions do not play a major role in relieving symptoms. Centrally directed, nonpharmacological interventions such as hypnotherapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy have shown both short and long term efficacy in relieving pain in children with FAPDs. However, these interventions are time consuming and need specially trained staff and therefore, not currently available at grass root level. Clinicians and researchers should join hands in searching for more pragmatic and effective therapeutic modalities to improve overall care of children with FAPD

Definitions of Pediatric Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders and Outcome Measures: A Systematic Review

Objective: To systematically review definitions of functional abdominal pain orders (FAPDs) and outcome measures used in therapeutic randomized controlled trials in pediatric FAPDs adhering to the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology recommendations. Study design: Cochrane, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cinahl databases were systematically searched from inception to April 2018. English-written therapeutic randomized controlled trials concerning FAPDs in children aged 4-18 years were included. Definitions of FAPDs, interventions, outcome measures, measurement instruments, and outcome assessors of each study were tabulated descriptively. Quality was assessed using the Delphi List. Results: A total of 4771 articles were found, of which 64 articles were included (n = 25, 39% of high methodologic quality). The Rome III (50%), Rome II (17%), Apley (16%), and author-defined (17%) criteria were used to define FAPDs. Fourteen studies (22%) assessed a pharmacologic, 25 (39%) a dietary, and 25 (39%) a psychosocial intervention. Forty-four studies (69%) predefined their primary outcomes. In total, 211 reported predefined outcome measures were grouped into 23 different outcome domains; the majority being patient-reported (n = 27, 61%). Of the 14 studies that evaluated a pharmacologic intervention, 12 (86%) reported on adverse events. Conclusions: Studies on pediatric FAPDs are of limited methodologic quality and show large heterogeneity and inconsistency in defining FAPDs and outcome measures used. Development of a core outcome set is needed to make comparison between intervention studies possible

Side effects associated with pharmacotherapy for pediatric irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain–not otherwise specified: a systematic review

Introduction: To systematically review the literature regarding the side effects of pharmacotherapy in children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional abdominal pain–not otherwise specified (FAP-NOS). Areas covered: Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Embase databases were searched from inception to May 2018. The following inclusion criteria were applied: (1) randomized controlled trials (RCTs), cohort studies or case-control studies; (2) in children aged 4–18 years or adult studies if children are reported separately; (3) reporting a diagnosis of IBS or FAP-NOS as defined by the authors; and (4) reporting the occurrence of side effects of pharmacotherapy. Quality assessment of included studies was conducted. Expert opinion: A total of 4619 articles were identified; 17 were included. In 10/17 (59%) studies, side effects of pharmacotherapy (antispasmodics, antidepressants, antihistaminic agents, serotonergic agents and antibiotics) occurred. The majority of side effects were: (1) limited to the gastrointestinal tract and central nervous system and, 2) mild and transient. No serious adverse events were reported. This systematic review shows that data on safety in children with functional abdominal pain disorders are scarce, and highlights the lack of high-quality research for potential side effects of pediatric IBS and FAP-NOS. Further research by means of large well-designed-follow-up studies is necessary

Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in European Infants and Toddlers

Objective: To assess the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in young children in a cross-sectional, multicenter study in Belgium, Italy, and The Netherlands. Study design: Children were enrolled if they were age 0-48 months, attending a general pediatrician (Belgium, Italy) or a well-baby clinic (The Netherlands) for routine follow-up. Separate questionnaires were developed for infants age 0-12 months and for toddlers age 13-48 months. Questionnaires evaluated the clinical history, symptoms, sociodemographic information on the family, and exposure to stressful life events. FGIDs were defined according to Rome IV criteria. Results: In total 2751 children were included: 1698 infants age 0-12 months and 1053 children age 13-48 months. The prevalence of any FGID in infants age 0-12 months and 13-48 months was 24.7% and 11.3%, respectively. The most common disorders were infant regurgitation (13.8%) in infants and functional constipation (9.6%) in toddlers. Multivariable regression analyses demonstrated that younger age (P = .030) and formula feeding (P = .045) were associated with the prevalence of any FGID among infants. Country (Italy) (P = .033) and parents subjected to domestic violence (P = .035) were associated with the prevalence of any FGID in toddlers age 13-48 months. Conclusions: FGIDs are common in a community sample of Western European infants and toddlers. Regurgitation is most prevalent in infants and functional constipation is most common in toddlers. Younger age, formula feeding, and domestic violence to parents are associated with the prevalence of FGIDs