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Pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders
Mark A McOmber1, Robert J Shulman
1Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
Insights
This review discusses pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), including functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome. Updated definitions aid in understanding FGID epidemiology, etiology, and treatments for improved pediatric patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
- Child Health
Background:
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in children, causing significant emotional and economic burdens.
- Accurate diagnosis of FGIDs is crucial for effective management.
- Recent advancements in understanding these conditions are vital for healthcare providers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common and intriguing functional gastrointestinal disorders in pediatric patients.
- To highlight the impact of modified definitions from the Pediatric Rome Working Group.
- To synthesize current knowledge on the epidemiology, etiology, and treatment of pediatric FGIDs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders.
- Analysis of studies utilizing the latest Pediatric Rome Working Group criteria.
- Synthesis of epidemiological, etiological, and treatment data.
Main Results:
- Common pediatric FGIDs include functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional abdominal pain.
- Cyclic vomiting syndrome is also discussed as a notable pediatric FGID.
- Updated diagnostic criteria facilitate better research and clinical understanding.
Conclusions:
- Improved understanding of pediatric FGIDs is emerging due to updated definitions and ongoing research.
- Children and families will benefit from enhanced knowledge and more effective treatment strategies.
- Accurate diagnosis remains paramount for managing pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Abstract:
Functional gastrointestinal disorders continue to be a prevalent set of conditions faced by the healthcare team and have a significant emotional and economic impact. In this review, the authors highlight some of the common functional disorders seen in pediatric patients (functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain) as well as one of the more intriguing (cyclic vomiting). The most recent Pediatric Rome Working Group has modified the definitions of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Current studies have used these categorizations to understand better the epidemiology, etiology, and treatment options for these disorders. As more data are available, children and their families will be offered a better understanding of the conditions and more effective treatments to overcome them. The importance of making an accurate diagnosis of a functional gastrointestinal disorder cannot be overemphasized.
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