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Increased auditory startle reflex in children with functional abdominal pain
Mirte J Bakker1, Frits Boer, Marc A Benninga
1Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. m.bakker@psy.umcn.nl
The Journal of Pediatrics
|October 23, 2009
Summary
Children with functional gastrointestinal disorders exhibit heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli, indicating potential central nervous system hyperresponsivity. This objective finding suggests a generalized hypersensitivity in these young patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Psychophysiology
Background:
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in children.
- The underlying mechanisms of FGIDs, particularly sensory processing, require further investigation.
- Previous research suggests potential links between FGIDs and altered sensory processing.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hypothesis of generalized sensory hypersensitivity in children with abdominal pain-related FGIDs.
- To objectively assess sensory stimulus responses in pediatric FGID patients compared to healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study design was employed, comparing 20 children with FGIDs (Rome III classification) to 23 healthy controls.
- Auditory startle reflexes were measured using electromyography to assess the activity of 6 left-sided muscles and sympathetic skin response.
- Sudden loud auditory stimuli were presented via headphones to elicit responses.
Main Results:
- Children with abdominal pain-related FGIDs showed a significantly increased combined muscle response and blink response to auditory stimuli compared to controls.
- No significant difference in sympathetic skin response was observed between the groups.
- Comorbid anxiety or specific FGID subtypes did not significantly alter the observed hyperresponsivity.
Conclusions:
- The study provides objective evidence of hyperresponsivity to non-gastrointestinal stimuli in children with FGIDs.
- Findings suggest a generalized hypersensitivity of the central nervous system in pediatric patients experiencing abdominal pain-related FGIDs.
- This hypersensitivity may represent a key pathophysiological factor contributing to FGID symptoms in children.
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