Management of the Most Common Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Infancy: The Middle East Expert Consensus

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Gastroenterology
• Microbiome

Background:

• Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) present significant challenges for infants, parents, and healthcare providers.
• Data on FGIDs in the Middle East are limited, yet the conditions are considered prevalent in clinical practice.
• The Rome IV criteria offer updated definitions for FGIDs, aiming for consistent diagnosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the variability in FGID treatment practices across Middle Eastern countries.
• To develop a locally relevant, simplified treatment plan for common infant FGIDs.
• To provide a standardized protocol for primary care physicians managing FGIDs.

Main Methods:

• A consensus meeting involving regional experts was convened.
• Discussion and approval of a locally relevant approach for treating infant regurgitation, colic, and functional constipation.
• Development of a simplified, easy-to-follow treatment protocol.

Main Results:

• A consensus was reached on a standardized treatment protocol for common infant FGIDs.
• The protocol aims to streamline initial management by general pediatricians and primary care physicians.
• The approach considers various treatment modalities, including probiotics like *Lactobacillus reuteri* DSM 17938.

Conclusions:

• The developed protocol offers a standardized approach to managing FGIDs in the Middle East.
• This initiative seeks to reduce mismanagement and improve patient outcomes.
• The protocol has potential for global application in managing infant FGIDs.