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Post-infectious functional gastrointestinal disorders in children

Miguel Saps1, Licia Pensabene, Lucio Di Martino

  • 1Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL 60614, USA. msaps@childrensmemorial.org

The Journal of Pediatrics
|May 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Children who experience acute bacterial gastroenteritis (AGE) have a significantly higher risk of developing functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). This study highlights the long-term gastrointestinal health impact of bacterial infections in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background:

  • Acute bacterial gastroenteritis (AGE) is a common childhood illness.
  • The long-term consequences of AGE on gastrointestinal health are not fully understood.
  • Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are prevalent in children and can significantly impact quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and development of FGIDs following an episode of AGE in children.
  • To compare FGID development in children with AGE versus healthy controls.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study involving 88 children aged 3-19 years diagnosed with AGE.
  • Patients were recruited from two pediatric hospitals in the US and Italy between 2001-2005.
  • Validated FGID questionnaires assessed symptoms like abdominal pain, diarrhea, and disability at least 6 months post-infection, comparing exposed children with matched trauma/well-child controls.

Main Results:

  • 36% of children with AGE reported new-onset abdominal pain compared to 11% in controls (P < .01).
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (87%) and dyspepsia (24%) were common FGIDs diagnosed post-AGE.
  • 56% of affected children reported symptom onset directly following the bacterial infection.

Conclusions:

  • Bacterial gastroenteritis significantly increases the risk of developing functional gastrointestinal disorders in children.
  • Early identification and management of FGIDs post-infection are crucial for pediatric health.
Abstract

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