Reaching for Remission: Integrating Complementary and Alternative Strategies into Inflammatory Bowel Disease...

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Integrative Medicine
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) prevalence is rising in the U.S.
• Families increasingly seek complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) options alongside conventional treatments.
• Existing literature on CAM for pediatric IBD requires comprehensive review.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing literature on various CAM modalities for pediatric IBD.
• To assess the potential integration of CAM into traditional medical management.
• To identify promising CAM interventions for improving patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of current literature on CAM for pediatric IBD.
• Categorization of CAMs into mind-body practices, gut microbiome modulation, and herbal supplements.
• Analysis of studies evaluating efficacy and safety of reviewed CAMs.

Main Results:

• Mind-body practices (CBT, yoga, acupuncture) show promise for enhancing quality of life and potentially modifying disease.
• Gut microbiome modulation (probiotics, FMT) may impact IBD but requires further safety and efficacy studies.
• Herbal supplements (curcumin, Indigo naturalis) demonstrate positive results in ulcerative colitis activity, warranting pediatric investigation.

Conclusions:

• CAM modalities offer a potential adjunct to conventional pediatric IBD care.
• Mind-body practices and certain herbal supplements show early promise.
• Further pediatric-specific research is crucial for microbiome modulation and herbal therapies.