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Sleep Problems in Pediatric Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction: A Systematic Review
Abigail S Robbertz1, Caitlin Shneider1, Lindsey L Cohen1
1Department of Psychology, Georgia State University, USA.
Insights
Pediatric patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) experience significant sleep problems, which are linked to worse pain, mood, and daily functioning. Early screening and treatment are crucial for better outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Pediatric Health
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) are prevalent in children, yet the extent and nature of sleep problems within this population remain unclear.
- Sleep disturbances may significantly influence symptom severity and prognosis in pediatric DGBIs.
- This review addresses the need for a comprehensive understanding of sleep issues in pediatric DGBIs.
Approach:
- A systematic review was conducted by searching major databases (PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL, Medline) for studies published up to June 2022.
- Inclusion criteria focused on participants aged 19 years or younger diagnosed with a DGBI, quantitative sleep assessments, and English-language publications.
- Study quality was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.
Key Points:
- The review included 24 articles encompassing 110,864 participants from 9 countries, with most studies rated as moderate to weak quality.
- Pediatric DGBI patients reported a higher prevalence of sleep problems compared to healthy controls.
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was associated with more sleep problems than other DGBI diagnoses, and sleep disturbances correlated with poorer mood, increased pain, and diminished functional outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric patients diagnosed with DGBIs frequently experience sleep problems that negatively affect their overall health outcomes.
- Implementing routine screening for sleep disturbances in pediatric DGBI patients is recommended.
- Targeted interventions addressing sleep issues are essential for optimizing the care and management of children with DGBIs.
Objective:
Disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs) are common, and findings are mixed on rates of sleep problems (e.g., sleep quality) in pediatric populations. A clear understanding of sleep problems in pediatric DGBIs is needed as sleep challenges might negatively impact symptoms and prognoses. The aims of this systematic review are to (1) describe the prevalence and types of sleep problems in pediatric patients with DGBIs and examine differences by DGBI diagnosis and (2) examine the relationship among sleep problems and pain, mood, and functional outcomes in pediatric patients with DGBIs.
Methods:
We searched PubMed, PsycInfo, CINAHL, and Medline in June 2022; articles were included if they enrolled ≤19 years old with a DGBI, used a quantitative assessment of sleep problems, and were available in English. The Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies was used to assess study quality. We used a protocol to systematically pull and tabulate data across articles with quality assessment ratings.
Results:
Twenty-four articles with 110,864 participants across 9 countries were included, with most studies being of moderate to weak quality. Patients with DGBIs reported more sleep problems than healthy peers, and some research reviewed found that patients with IBS had more sleep problems than other DGBI diagnoses. Sleep problems in DGBIs were related to worse mood, pain, and functional outcomes.
Conclusion:
Pediatric patients with DGBIs are experiencing sleep problems that can impact outcomes. Screening for sleep problems and targeted treatment is needed to best support these patients.
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