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Scientific Evidence for the Treatment of Children with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Paolo Quitadamo1, Sara Isoldi2, Saverio Mallardo2
1Department of Pediatrics, A.O.R.N. Santobono-Pausilipon, Naples, Italy.
Insights
Pediatric Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) significantly impacts children's quality of life. This review evaluates evidence for current treatments like medications, diet, and therapies in children with IBS.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatrics
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a prevalent functional gastrointestinal disorder in children.
- IBS negatively affects children's quality of life, characterized by abdominal pain, altered stool form, and frequency.
- The precise etiology of pediatric IBS remains unclear, and optimal treatments are lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and evaluate the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of current treatments for IBS in children.
- To provide an overview of available therapeutic options, including pharmacological, dietary, and biopsychosocial interventions.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific literature.
- Evaluation of evidence for drug therapies, dietary interventions, and biopsychosocial approaches.
- Analysis of treatment efficacy specifically in pediatric populations.
Main Results:
- The review assesses the scientific evidence for various treatment modalities.
- Efficacy data for pharmacological, dietary, and biopsychosocial therapies in pediatric IBS are examined.
- Identification of gaps in current treatment effectiveness and evidence.
Conclusions:
- Current treatment options for pediatric IBS include medications, dietary changes, and biopsychosocial therapies.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal and evidence-based treatment strategies for children with IBS.
- This review highlights the need for improved therapeutic approaches to manage pediatric IBS effectively.
Abstract:
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastro-intestinal disorders which significantly impacts the quality of life of affected children. Abdominal pain improved by defecation, associated with a change in stool form and frequency, represents its specific clinical marker. Even if a number of potential patho-physiological mechanisms have been described, the exact underlying etiology of IBS is so far unclear. Likewise, no optimal treatment has ever been found neither for adult nor for pediatric patients. Current therapeutic options include drugs, dietary interventions and biopsychosocial therapies. The present review aims at evaluating the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of these treatments for children with IBS.
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