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Cortisol diurnal rhythm and stress reactivity in constipation and abdominal pain: the Generation R Study

Jessica C Kiefte-de Jong1, Nathalie S Saridjan, Johanna C Escher

  • 1The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|April 21, 2011
PubMed

Insights

This study found no significant link between infant cortisol levels and functional constipation or abdominal pain. Cortisol, a stress marker, does not appear to be a major factor in these common infant digestive issues.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Endocrinology
  • Developmental Psychology

Background:

  • Functional constipation and abdominal pain are common in infancy.
  • The role of the stress response system, particularly cortisol, in these conditions is not well understood.
  • Understanding potential biological underpinnings is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between diurnal cortisol rhythm and cortisol stress reactivity with functional constipation and abdominal pain in infants.
  • To determine if cortisol levels serve as a biomarker for these gastrointestinal issues in early childhood.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study involving 483 infants aged 14-24 months.
  • Salivary cortisol was measured for diurnal rhythm and stress reactivity (Strange Situation Procedure) at 14 months.
  • Functional constipation (Rome II criteria) and abdominal pain (Abdominal Pain Index) were assessed via questionnaires at 24 months.

Main Results:

  • 13% of infants experienced functional constipation, and 17% had abdominal pain; 4% had both.
  • No significant differences in diurnal cortisol rhythm were observed between infants with and without these conditions.
  • Cortisol stress reactivity showed a non-significant trend towards being higher in infants with abdominal pain (OR 1.41).

Conclusions:

  • Infant cortisol levels, reflecting diurnal rhythm and stress reactivity, are not significantly associated with functional constipation or abdominal pain.
  • Cortisol does not appear to be a primary biological marker for these functional gastrointestinal disorders in infancy.
  • Further research may explore other etiological factors in infant digestive discomfort.
Abstract

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