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New advances in the treatment of paediatric functional abdominal pain disorders
Neha R Santucci1, Miguel Saps2, Miranda A van Tilburg3
1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
Insights
This review explores new treatments for children
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Pain Management
Background:
- Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) are common in children.
- Current treatments focus on symptom management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize recent pharmacological and alternative interventions for pediatric FAPDs.
- To highlight emerging therapies for improved patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pharmacological agents.
- Overview of non-pharmacological and alternative therapies.
- Exploration of psychological interventions.
Main Results:
- Pharmacological targets include prokinetics, anti-inflammatories, and serotonin antagonists.
- Non-pharmacological options include nerve stimulation, dietary changes, and nutraceuticals.
- Psychological therapies and alternative medicine show promise.
Conclusions:
- A multimodal approach combining pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and psychological strategies is essential.
- Emerging therapies offer new hope for managing pediatric functional abdominal pain.
Abstract:
This Review summarises recent pharmacological and upcoming alternative interventions for children with functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs). Pharmacological targets include prokinetics and drugs affecting gastric accommodation to treat postprandial distress and nausea. Similarly, anti-inflammatory agents, junctional protein regulators, analgesics, secretagogues, and serotonin antagonists have a therapeutic role for irritable bowel syndrome. Non-pharmacological treatments include peripheral electrical nerve field stimulation to the external ear, gastric electrical stimulation, dietary interventions such as low fructose and fibre based diets, and nutraceuticals, which include probiotics, prebiotics, and synbiotics. Newer psychological advances such as exposure-based cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and mindfulness meditation are being investigated for paediatric functional pain. Lastly, alternative therapies such as acupuncture, moxibustion, yoga, and spinal manipulation are also gaining popularity in the treatment of FAPDs.
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