Complementary, holistic, and integrative medicine: Crohn disease.

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Integrative Medicine
• Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)

Background:

• Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used by children with Crohn's disease (CD).
• There is a significant gap in high-quality, evidence-based research on CAM efficacy and safety in this population.
• Pediatric CD can lead to growth failure and necessitate surgical intervention, highlighting the need for careful treatment considerations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current evidence regarding CAM use in pediatric CD.
• To emphasize the need for rigorous research, including randomized controlled trials.
• To highlight the importance of integrating biobehavioral approaches and safe CAM therapies into conventional care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies on CAM in pediatric CD.
• Analysis of the role of psychosocial distress and biobehavioral interventions.
• Discussion of safety, efficacy, and drug-supplement interactions of CAM therapies.

Main Results:

• Limited high-quality evidence supports the use of most CAM therapies in pediatric CD.
• Psychosocial distress is a significant factor that warrants attention through biobehavioral techniques.
• Non-harmful CAM therapies may be considered as adjuncts to conventional medical treatment.

Conclusions:

• Further randomized controlled trials are essential to establish evidence-based guidelines for CAM in pediatric CD.
• Healthcare providers must actively inquire about CAM use, assess its safety and efficacy, and manage potential interactions.
• A collaborative approach between providers and patients is crucial for optimizing care in pediatric CD.