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Evaluating the effects of probiotics in pediatrics with recurrent abdominal pain
Parisa Rahmani1, Azin Ghouran-Orimi2, Farzaneh Motamed1
1Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Insights
Lactobacillus reuteri probiotics effectively treat recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in children with functional gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia. The treatment significantly reduced pain frequency, severity, and duration.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Microbiome Research
- Clinical Therapeutics
Background:
- Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is a common pediatric complaint and a frequent reason for gastroenterology referrals.
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are prevalent in children, impacting their quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics, specifically Lactobacillus reuteri, in managing recurrent abdominal pain in children.
- To assess the therapeutic outcomes of probiotic supplementation for various functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind randomized controlled trial involving 125 children diagnosed with RAP based on Rome III criteria for IBS, FAP, FD, and AM.
- Participants received either Lactobacillus reuteri probiotics or a placebo for 4 weeks.
Main Results:
- Lactobacillus reuteri showed significant therapeutic effectiveness in 32 patients, compared to 8 in the placebo group.
- Pain-related variables (frequency, severity, duration) significantly decreased in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Functional Dyspepsia (FD) subgroups.
- While effective for IBS, FD, and FAP, Lactobacillus reuteri did not demonstrate a therapeutic response in the Abdominal Migraine (AM) group.
Conclusions:
- Lactobacillus reuteri probiotics are a promising treatment for recurrent abdominal pain in children.
- Probiotic supplementation can be recommended for managing functional gastrointestinal disorders, particularly IBS and FD.
Background:
Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is one of the frequent complaints in general practice, particularly in pediatrics and is among the common cause of referral to gastroenterology clinics.
Purpose:
This study is designed to investigate the effects of probiotics for the treatment of RAP and desired therapeutic outcomes.
Methods:
One hundred twenty-five children with the diagnosis of RAP according to Rome III criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional abdominal pain (FAP), functional dyspepsia (FD), and abdominal migraine (AM), were enrolled in this double-blind randomized controlled trial.
Results:
Sixty-five subjects received probiotics, and others received placebo treatment for 4 weeks. Lactobacillus reuteri was therapeutically effective in 32 patients compared to 8 patients, responding to the placebo treatment. Compared to baseline, all pain-related variables showed a significant reduction for the IBS and FD at the end of the 4th week. However, it did not respond well in FAP and AM groups. Pain-related outcomes such as, frequency of the pain, severity, and duration of the pain were decreased following the probiotic treatment. No therapeutic response was seen in AM group after the administration of probiotics. L. reuteri significantly led to pain relief in the overall population, and also in FAP, FD, and IBS subgroups.
Conclusion:
L. reuteri probiotics are likely to lead to RAP relief and can be recommended for the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders.
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