Patient-derived organoid biobank identifies epigenetic dysregulation of intestinal epithelial MHC-I as a novel mechanism in severe Crohn's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation (DNAm), have been proposed to play a key role in Crohn's disease (CD) pathogenesis. However, the specific cell types and pathways affected as well as their potential impact on disease phenotype and outcome remain unknown. We set out to investigate the role of intestinal epithelial DNAm in CD pathogenesis. DESIGN: We generated 312 intestinal epithelial organoids (IEOs) from mucosal biopsies of 168 patients with CD (n=72), UC (n=23) and healthy controls (n=73). We performed genome-wide molecular profiling including DNAm, bulk as well as single-cell RNA sequencing. Organoids were subjected to gene editing and the functional consequences of DNAm changes evaluated using an organoid-lymphocyte coculture and a nucleotide-binding oligomerisation domain, leucine-rich repeat and CARD domain containing 5 (NLRC5) dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) colitis knock-out mouse model. RESULTS: We identified highly stable, CD-associated loss of DNAm at major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class 1 loci including NLRC5 and cognate gene upregulation. Single-cell RNA sequencing of primary mucosal tissue and IEOs confirmed the role of NLRC5 as transcriptional transactivator in the intestinal epithelium. Increased mucosal MHC-I and NLRC5 expression in adult and paediatric patients with CD was validated in additional cohorts and the functional role of MHC-I highlighted by demonstrating a relative protection from DSS-mediated mucosal inflammation in NLRC5-deficient mice. MHC-I DNAm in IEOs showed a significant correlation with CD disease phenotype and outcomes. Application of machine learning approaches enabled the development of a disease prognostic epigenetic molecular signature. CONCLUSIONS: Our study has identified epigenetically regulated intestinal epithelial MHC-I as a novel mechanism in CD pathogenesis.

Mobile health technology in pediatric EGD quality indicators assessment: results from a national program of the Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Upper endoscopy (UE) procedures (EGD and ERCP) are an established standard of care in pediatric gastroenterology. The Pediatric Endoscopy Quality Improvement Network (PEnQuIN) recently published its pediatric-specific endoscopy quality guidelines. This study, initiated by the Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, aims to evaluate the adherence of Italian pediatric endoscopy centers (PECs) to these established quality standards. METHODS: Conducted between April 2019 and March 2021, this nationwide study used a smartphone-based app approach. Data encompassing pediatric endoscopy facilities, patient profiles, endoscopy indications, 17 procedure-related PEnQuIN indicators, and a patient satisfaction questionnaire (Group Health Association of America-9) were systematically collected. RESULTS: A comprehensive analysis of 3582 procedures from 24 centers revealed that 2654 (76%) were UEs. The majority of centers (75%) involved >1 operator, with 9 centers incorporating adult endoscopists, responsible for 5% of UEs. Overall, adherence to quality standards was good; however, areas of improvement include suboptimal reporting of sedation details, adherence to disease-specific guidelines, and patient satisfaction questionnaire completeness (56%). The adverse event rate aligned with literature standards (1%), and patient satisfaction was generally high. A noteworthy observation was a 30% decreased monthly reporting rate and a shift in disease-specific patterns after the COVID-19 outbreak. CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric UE practices in Italy adhere well to established quality standards. Emphasizing the adoption of disease-specific guidelines is crucial for optimizing resources, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, and minimizing unnecessary procedures. Prioritizing patient satisfaction is important for immediate enhancements in practice as well as for future research endeavors.

Impact of Coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic in children with functional abdominal pain disorders: Data from long-term follow-up.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to compare symptom frequency and severity in children with functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) and to evaluate anxiety, quality of life (QoL) and global health during Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) related quarantine and after 17 months. METHODS: Children diagnosed with FAPDs between October 2019 and February 2020 at 5 different centers were enrolled and prospectively interviewed during the COVID-19 quarantine and 17 months later when schools, hospital services, and routine activities had re-opened to the public. The patients were asked to complete the Rome IV questionnaire, the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0 (PedsQL 4.0) Generic Core Scale, the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety and global health questionnaires. Data about COVID-19 infection and its clinical outcome were also collected. RESULTS: Ninety-nine out of 180 (55%) children completed the follow-up. The number of patients reporting a worsening of their symptoms was significantly higher at follow-up when compared to the quarantine period (24/99 [24.2%] vs. 12/99 [12.1%]; p = 0.04). The PedsQL 4.0 subtotal score at follow-up significantly decreased at 17 months of follow-up (65.57 [0-100]) when compared to the quarantine (71 [0-100], p = 0.03). Emotional functioning was the most significantly reduced (Follow-up: 64.7 [0-100] vs. Quarantine: 75 [0-100]; p = 0.006). We did not identify significant differences in symptoms and QoL between COVID-19 infected children and the remaining cohort at the two time points. CONCLUSIONS: An improvement of symptoms and QoL was observed during the quarantine, followed by a worsening at-follow-up. These findings reinforce the hypothesis that the nest effect overweighted COVID-19 fears during the quarantine and highlight the importance of psychological factors in symptom exacerbation.

Effectiveness and safety of polyethylene-glycol-4000 versus sodium picosulphate plus magnesium oxide and citric acid for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy in children: A systematic review with meta-analysis.

Colonoscopy is performed for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The quality of colonoscopy depends on adequate bowel cleansing. However, there is no standardized protocol for bowel preparation in children. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to estimate the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability profile of polyethylene glycol (PEG) compared with those of sodium picosulfate (SPMC) in children. The primary sources of the reviewed studies were Scopus, PubMed, and Cochrane Library. The databases were systematically searched for RCTs comparing PEG 4000 to SPMC as a bowel cleansing solution. Six studies were included. The analysis showed that both PEG and SPMC are effective for bowel cleansing, while a split-dose regimen may be preferable to a day-before one. There were no differences between the two groups regarding adverse events such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and anal discomfort. Additionally, preparation with SPMC was preferred in terms of acceptability and compliance. Still, the need to place a nasogastric tube was significantly lower in the SPMC group compared to the PEG group and in the split dose regimen compared to the day before. In conclusion, PEG and SPMC are equally effective in obtaining an adequate bowel cleansing with a comparable adverse event rate; moreover, split-dose administration may be preferable to day-before one in terms of effective bowel cleansing. However, SPMC preparation is more acceptable seems to result in higher compliance, and to reduce the use of a nasogastric tube, that we encounter daily in clinical practice, is perceived as a stressful experience for children and their families.

Precision nutrition in pediatric IBD: A position paper from the ESPGHAN special interest group for basic science and translational research, the IBD Porto group, and allied health professionals.

Stratified and precision nutrition refers to disease management or prevention of disease onset, based on dietary interventions tailored to a person's characteristics, biology, gut microbiome, and environmental exposures. Such treatment models may lead to more effective management of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and reduce risk of disease development. This societal position paper aimed to report advances made in stratified and precision nutritional therapy in IBD. Following a structured literature search, limited to human studies, we identified four relevant themes: (a) nutritional epidemiology for risk prediction of IBD development, (b) food-based dietary interventions in IBD, (c) exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) for Crohn's disease (CD) management, and (d) pre- and probiotics for IBD management. There is scarce literature upon which we can make recommendations for precision or stratified dietary therapy for IBD, both for risk of disease development and disease management. Certain single-nucleotide polymorphisms related to polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) metabolism may modify the effect dietary PUFA have in increasing the risk of IBD development. Non-colonic CD, mild-to-moderate CD, and high microbiota richness may predict success of EEN and may be used both for prediction of treatment continuation, but also for early cessation in nonresponders. There is currently insufficient evidence to make recommendations for precision or stratified dietary therapy for patients with established IBD. Despite the great interest in stratified and precision nutrition, we currently lack data to support conclusive recommendations. Replication of early findings by independent research groups and within structured clinical interventions is required.

Diagnosis and management of eosinophilic esophagitis in children: An update from the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).

INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and histologically by predominantly eosinophilic infiltration of the squamous epithelium. European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) published a guideline in 2014; however, the rapid evolution of knowledge about pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic options have made an update necessary. METHODS: A consensus group of pediatric gastroenterologists from the ESPGHAN Working Group on Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (ESPGHAN EGID WG) reviewed the recent literature and proposed statements and recommendations on 28 relevant questions about EoE. A comprehensive electronic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from 2014 to 2022. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was used to assess the quality of evidence and formulate recommendations. RESULTS: A total of 52 statements based on the available evidence and 44 consensus-based recommendations are available. A revision of the diagnostic protocol, options for initial drug treatment, and the new concept of simplified empiric elimination diets are now available. Biologics are becoming a part of the potential armamentarium for refractory EoE, and systemic steroids may be considered as the initial treatment for esophageal strictures before esophageal dilation. The importance and assessment of quality of life and a planned transition to adult medical care are new areas addressed in this guideline. CONCLUSION: Research in recent years has led to a better understanding of childhood EoE. This guideline incorporates the new findings and provides a practical guide for clinicians treating children diagnosed with EoE.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis/Macrophage Activation Syndrome in pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: clinical characteristics and outcomes.

Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been reported only anecdotally. This study aimed at describing the clinical features and outcomes of children diagnosed with both IBD and HLH/MAS. Data on IBD and HLH/MAS characteristics, biochemical, microbiological and genetic assessments, treatments, and outcomes were collected from the Italian Pediatric IBD Registry and presented using descriptive statistics. Out of 4643 patients with IBD, 18 (0.4%) were diagnosed with HLH/MAS, including 12 with ulcerative colitis and 6 with Crohn disease. Among the 18 patients, 7 (39%) had early-onset IBD, but the median age at HLH/MAS diagnosis was 14.0 years (IQR 11.9-16.0). Half of the patients had active IBD at HLH/MAS diagnosis, 11 (61%) patients were on thiopurines, and 6 (33%) were on anti-TNF biologics. An infectious trigger was identified in 15 (83%) patients. One (5%) patients was diagnosed with XIAP deficiency. All patients discontinued thiopurines and 5 (83.3%) discontinued anti-TNF biologics; 16 (80%) patients received steroids for HLH/MAS. Three (17%) patients had a relapse of HLH/MAS. No patient developed lymphoma or died during a median follow-up of 2.7 years (IQR 0.8-4.4). Conclusions: HLH/MAS mainly affects children with early-onset IBD but primarily develops during adolescence, following an infection while on immunosuppressant treatment. Although the prognosis is generally favorable, it is crucial to investigate an underlying immune deficiency.

Infliximab therapy decreases the expression of serum and faecal miR-126 and miR-20a in paediatric Crohn's disease: A pilot study.

AIM: We aimed to evaluate the serum and faecal expression of miR-126 and miR-20a in children with Crohn's disease (CD) during infliximab (IFX) therapy. METHODS: In this prospective observational study, serum and faeces from CD patients were collected before IFX therapy (T0), after induction (T1) and after 6 months from IFX (T2). IFX levels were determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at T1 and T2. miRNAs were profiled through Real-Time RT-PCR. The activity of disease was evaluated through the Paediatric Crohn's disease activity index (PCDAI), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and faecal calprotectin. RESULTS: Nine CD children were enrolled. Serum and faecal miR-126 and miR-20a levels were higher at T0 and showed a time-dependent decrease, being significantly down-regulated after IFX treatment at T2. Specifically, IFX levels recorded at T1 and T2 negatively correlated with the serum and faecal expression of miR-126 and miR-20a. Serum and faecal changes of miR-126 and miR20-a were positively associated with the decrease of the inflammatory marker CRP and PDCAI at all time points. CONCLUSION: In children with CD, IFX therapy decreases the expression of serum and faecal miR-126 and miR-20a, suggesting an involvement of these two miRNAs in the action of the drug.

Increased expression of CB2 receptor in the intestinal biopsies of children with inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVES: The Cannabinoid Receptor type 2 (CB2) is involved in inflammation and immune cell modulation. In previous studies, we demonstrated the association between the CNR2 rs35761398 polymorphism and the risk for pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this study, we analyzed the intestinal biopsies from Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) pediatric patients at the diagnosis to evaluate the expression of CB2 and several factors associated with IBD inflammatory pathways. METHODS: We enrolled five patients with CD, five with UC, and five controls (CTR). We analyzed ileum and rectum biopsies from patients of each group evaluating the expression of CB2, Toll-like receptor 4, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1ß by western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Western blot analysis showed a significant increase of CB2 in the CD ileum and in the UC rectum biopsies and an increase of TLR4 in the UC rectum. We also observed a significant over-expression of the IL-6 in UC rectum. The immunofluorescence analysis confirmed western blot data, showing also a T-lymphocytes infiltration colocalized with CB2 expression in the CD ileum and UC rectum. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show an upregulation of CB2 in pediatric IBD, which might have implications for drug discovery. IMPACT: The Cannabinoid Receptor type 2 (CB2) is involved in the inflammation and modulation of the immune response in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). CB2 receptor is more expressed in the inflamed intestine of pediatric IBD patients. CB2 could be used as a potential therapeutic target to reduce IBD-related inflammatory state in childhood.

Bifidobacteria modulate immune response in pediatric patients with cow's milk protein allergy.

BACKGROUND: In children with an allergy to cow's milk proteins (CMA), the altered composition of intestinal microbiota influences the immune tolerance to milk proteins (CMP). This study aims to investigate the effect of probiotics on the phenotype and activation status of peripheral basophils and lymphocytes in a pediatric CMA cohort. METHODS: CMA children underwent 45 days of treatment with Bifidobacteria. The basophil degranulation and the immune phenotype of B cells, T helper cells, and regulatory T cells were analyzed in peripheral blood at diagnosis (T0), after a 45-day probiotic treatment (T1), and 45 days after the probiotic wash-out (T2). RESULTS: We observed in probiotic-treated CMA patients a decrease in naive T lymphocytes. Among the CD3+ cell subsets, both naive and activated CD4+ cells resulted markedly reduced after taking probiotics, with the lowest percentages at T2. A decreased basophil degranulation was observed in response to all analyzed CMP at T1 compared to T0. CONCLUSIONS: The probiotic treatment resulted in a decrease of circulating naive and activated CD4+ T cells, as well as degranulating basophils. These data suggest that the Bifidobacteria could have a beneficial effect in the modulation of oral tolerance to CMP. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN69069358. URL of registration: https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN69069358 . IMPACT: Probiotic treatment with Bifidobacteria induces a reduction of both naive and activated circulating CD4+ T cells in pediatric patients with cow's milk allergy (CMA). The probiotic supplementation induces a decreased basophil degranulation. The immunological tolerance persists even after 45 days of the probiotic wash-out. Bifidobacteria in vivo supplementation down-modulates the activation of innate and adaptive immunity in pediatric patients with cow's milk allergy. Bifidobacteria contribute to the development of immune tolerance in CMA patients.

The use of calgranulin-C (S100A12) and fecal zonulin as possible non-invasive markers in children with inflammatory bowel disease: a clinical study.

Calgranulin-C (S100A12) and zonulin are considered markers of intestinal inflammation. Our aim was to evaluate fecal S100A12 (f-S100A12) and fecal zonulin (f-zonulin) in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), compared to fecal calprotectin (FC) and serum inflammatory markers. We enrolled children with a previous diagnosis of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). F-S100A12, f-zonulin, and FC were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Endoscopic examination was considered in the patients who underwent ileocolonoscopy within 2 weeks from the enrollment. One hundred seventeen children, 39.3% with CD and 60.7% with UC were enrolled. In both CD and UC, there was a significant direct correlation between FC and f-S100A12 levels. In children with CD and UC, both FC and f-S100A12 correlated with markers of serum inflammation. We found difference in FC and f-S100A12 levels between patients in clinical relapse and remission (FC: mean 1027 ± 818 mcg/ml vs 580 ± 695 mcg/ml respectively, p = 0.028; f-S100A12: mean 66.4 ± 48.2 mcg/ml vs 42.7 ± 40 mcg/ml, respectively p = 0.02). Moreover, we found difference in FC between children with endoscopic inflammation and remission (mean 825 ± 779 mcg/ml vs 473.3 ± 492 mcg/ml, respectively p = 0.048), as well as for f-S100A12 (53 ± 43 mcg/ml vs mean 31 ± 33 mcg/ml vs, respectively p = 0.019). No significant results were found for f-zonulin. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that f-S100A12 and FC are both useful non-invasive biomarkers in the management of pediatric IBD in follow up and in monitoring endoscopic and clinical relapse. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Fecal calprotectin (FC), fecal S100A12 (f- S100A12), and fecal zonulin represent potential noninvasive markers of gut inflammation. • Since S100A12 is predominantly expressed by granulocytes, high levels of f-S100A12 should be more specific for inflammation than FC. WHAT IS NEW: • FC and f-S100A12 were correlated to each other and despite the lack of correlation with disease location, they were associated with endoscopic inflammation and clinical relapse in children with IBD. • No significant correlations were found between f-zonulin and the inflammatory parameters.

Split-dose versus day-before regimen of sodium picosulfate plus magnesium citrate for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy in children: Randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: Polyethylene glycol (PEG) split-dose regimen is recommended as the option of choice for colon preparation before colonoscopy in children and adults. Sodium picosulfate plus magnesium citrate (SPMC) is equally effective but better tolerated than PEG for bowel preparation before colonoscopy in children. The aim of this study was to assess the superiority of SPMC split-dose regimen compared with SPMC day-before regimen for bowel cleansing before colonoscopy in children. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, single-blind study. Pediatric inpatients undergoing colonoscopy received SPMC either in the day-before dosing or in split dosing. Overall bowel cleansing was assessed using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) and was rated as successful when BBPS was ≥6. Patient tolerability, acceptability, and compliance were recorded. RESULTS: The rate of successful cleansing level was significantly higher in the split-dose group than in the day-before group (P < 0.001). The BBPS scores were significantly higher in the split-dose group than in the day-before group for the whole colon (P < 0.001), the right colon (P < 0.001) and transverse colon (P < 0.001). Patient acceptability was better in the split-dose group (P = 0.0003; P = 0.005). The percentage of children needing nasogastric tube placement was better in the split-dose group (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: The split-dose regimen of SPMC was superior to the day-before regimen in terms of successful colon cleansing and acceptability.

Development of a Core Outcome Set for Children Aged 1-18 Years with Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a core outcome set for clinical studies assessing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in children. STUDY DESIGN: This core outcome set was developed using a 2-round Delphi technique and adhering to the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Initiative (OMERACT 2.0) recommendations. Healthcare professionals (HCPs) and (parents of) children (age 1-18 years) with a GERD diagnosis (ie, the presence of bothersome symptoms), listed up to 5 harmful and/or beneficial outcomes that they considered important in the treatment of GERD. Outcomes mentioned by more than 10% of participants were put forward and rated and prioritized by HCPs, parents, and children in a second round. Outcomes with the highest rank formed the draft core outcome set. The final core outcome set was created during an online consensus meeting between an expert panel. RESULTS: The first round was completed by 118 of 125 HCPs (94%), 146 of 146 parents (100%), and 69 of 70 children (99%). A total of 80 of 118 HCPs (68%), 130 of 140 parents (93%), and 77 children (100%) completed round 2. "Adequate relief," "evidence of esophagitis," "feeding difficulties," "heartburn (≥4 years)," "hematemesis," "regurgitation," "sleeping difficulties," "vomiting," and "adverse events" were included in the final core outcome set for GERD in children aged 1-18 years. CONCLUSIONS: We identified a total set of 9 core outcomes and suggest these outcomes to be minimally measured in clinical studies assessing GERD in children. Implementation of this core outcome set is likely to increase comparison between studies and may thus provide future recommendations to improve treatment of GERD in children.

Health-Related Quality of Life in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease During COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of our study were to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children affected by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) during the first wave of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and after 12 months. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective, observational study conducted between April 2020 and April 2021. Children from 10 to 18 years with a confirmed diagnosis of IBD were enrolled during the first COVID-19-related national quarantine. The following information was collected at the baseline and after 12 months: IBD subtype, location and phenotype, disease activity, current and previous therapies. Patients were asked to complete the PROMIS Anxiety and IMPACT III questionnaires. RESULTS: One hundred and eighteen patients were enrolled, of whom 54 (46%) were affected by Crohn disease (CD) and 64 (54%) with ulcerative colitis (UC; median age: 15.5 years, range 10.3-18; M/F: 68/50). Median HRQoL was significantly decreased after 12 months compared with the beginning of COVID-19-related quarantine (T1: 76.7 vs T2: 72.8; P < 0.001). At 12 months, a higher number of children were reported to be in active disease when compared with the enrollment [T2: 22/108 (20.4%) vs T1: 12/118 (10%); P = 0.02]. Multivariate analysis showed a significant influence on HRQoL of quarantine period ( P < 0.001), female sex ( P = 0.016), biologic therapy ( P = 0.011), and active disease ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A deterioration of HRQoL after 12 months from COVID-19-related quarantine was observed. Additionally, the higher number of children with active disease at 12 months compared with enrollment may suggest detrimental consequences of the reduced disease control, contributing to decreased HRQoL.

Anorectal Manometry in Children: The Update on the Indications and the Protocol of the Procedure.

ABSTRACT: Anorectal disorders are common in children. They are related to structural and/or functional abnormalities of the anorectum or pelvic floor with a variety of symptoms. Therefore, diagnostic tests to evaluate anorectal function can help to better understand the underlying pathophysiology and aetiology as well as facilitate patient management. During the past decades, substantial efforts have been made to improve anorectal function testing; however, more advanced investigations might lead to difficulties in interpretation. Additionally, a great diversity of equipment and protocols are used among centres, which may lead to heterogeneous interpretation of results. More studies to standardize methods of testing and validate reference values are strongly recommended in children. This review updates on the current indications and the protocol of anorectal manometry.

Making Research Flourish Through ESPGHAN: A Position Paper From the ESPGHAN Special Interest Group for Basic and Translational Research.

ABSTRACT: Recent research breakthroughs have emerged from applied basic research throughout all scientific areas, including adult and paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition (PGHAN). The research landscape within the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) is also inevitably changing from clinical research to studies involving applied laboratory research. This position paper aims to depict the current status quo of basic science and translational research within ESPGHAN, and to delineate how the society could invest in research in the present and future time. The paper also explores which research areas in the field of PGHAN represent the current and future priorities, and what type of support is needed across the ESPGHAN working groups (WGs) and special interest groups (SIGs) to fulfil their research goals.

Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Mediterranean Countries According to Rome IV Criteria.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in children of Mediterranean area using Rome IV criteria and to compare the prevalence of FGIDs using Rome IV and Rome III criteria. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study enrolling children and adolescents living in Croatia, Greece, Israel, Italy, Macedonia, and Serbia. Subjects were examined in relation to the presence of FGIDs, using the Rome IV criteria. Data were compared with the results of a previous study using Rome III data. RESULTS: We analyzed 1972 children ages 4 to 9 years (group A), and 2450 adolescents 10 to 18 years old (group B). The overall prevalence of FGIDs was 16% in group A and 26% in group B, with statistical differences among countries in both groups (P < 0.001). In group A, the prevalence of FGIDs and of functional constipation (FC) was significantly lower than in the previous study (P < 0.001), whereas in group B no significant difference was found. In both groups of age, the prevalence of abdominal migraine and irritable bowel syndrome decreased significantly (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively) using Rome IV versus Rome III criteria, conversely functional dyspepsia increased (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: FGIDs are common in children and adolescents, their frequency increases with age, and there is a significant variation in the prevalence of some FGIDs among different European countries. The application of the Rome IV criteria resulted in a significantly lower prevalence of FGIDs in children compared with Rome III criteria.

Overall Impact of Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak in Children With Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders: Results From the First Pandemic Phase.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess how the first phase of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic influenced symptoms in children with functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) and to characterize their quality of life (QoL), anxiety and global health. METHODS: This was a multicenter, observational, international study conducted between April and July 2020 at six different referral centers. Children diagnosed with FAPDs between October 2019 and February 2020 were enrolled and prospectively interviewed at 4 months of follow-up during the first pandemic phase (Quarantine group). Patients were asked to complete PedsQL 4.0 Generic Core Scale and PROMIS Anxiety and Global Health questionnaires. A cohort of children diagnosed with FAPDs between October 2018 and February 2019 was used as a Control group. RESULTS: Three-hundred-fifty-six children were enrolled of whom 180 (mean age at diagnosis: 14 ±â€Š2.8 years) in the Quarantine group and 176 (mean age at diagnosis: 13 ±â€Š2.8 years) in the Control group. At 4 months of follow-up, we observed a significant reduction of children reporting >5 episodes of abdominal pain per month when compared to baseline, in both groups (Quarantine group: 63.9% vs 42.2%, P < 0.001; Control group: 83.5% vs 50%, P < 0.001). The Quarantine group had median QoL values of 84.8 with 16.6% of children showing high anxiety values and 55% having decreased global health score. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated symptoms' improvement at 4 months of follow-up in both cohorts. During the first months of the COVID-19 quarantine children with FAPDs showed satisfactory QoL and anxiety scores, suggesting positive effects of school closure and increased parental attention.

Antibiotic Prophylaxis for Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy in Children: A Randomised Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: Paediatric studies on the role of antibiotic prophylaxis in the prevention of postoperative infections in children undergoing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) are lacking. The aim of this study was to assess if a single dose of co-amoxiclav before PEG can decrease the rate of peristomal wound and systemic infection in children. METHODS: In this prospective, randomised, double-blind, multicentre trial, children undergoing PEG were randomized to antibiotic prophylaxis with co-amoxiclav versus placebo and the rate of local and systemic infections were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 106 patients considered for inclusion, 49 patients were randomized. In the per-protocol analysis, the occurrence of wound infection was 5% (1/20) in the antibiotic group and 21% (4/19) in the placebo group (P = 0.13, 16% difference in proportions, odds ratio [OR] 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02-1.9). The occurrence of systemic infection was 9% (2/22) in the antibiotic group and 27.2% (6/25) in the placebo group [P = 0.17, 18% difference in proportions, OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.06%-1.80%]. Similar results were obtained in intention-to-treat analysis. Interestingly, the overall infection rate was significantly higher in the placebo group as compared with the antibiotic group (40% vs 13.6%; P = 0.04) and the duration of hospital stay was significantly longer in the placebo group as compared with the antibiotic group (4.4 ±â€Š1.6 vs 3.5 ±â€Š1.05; P = 0.02). The number-needed-to-treat (NTT) to prevent 1 peristomal infection on average are 6.7 patients. CONCLUSIONS: A preoperative dose of co-amoxiclav reduces the overall infection rate and the duration of hospital stay. Our data suggest that antibiotic prophylaxis should be recommended in every children undergoing PEG placement.

Clinical Genomics for the Diagnosis of Monogenic Forms of Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Position Paper From the Paediatric IBD Porto Group of European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.

BACKGROUND: It is important to identify patients with monogenic IBD as management may differ from classical IBD. In this position statement we formulate recommendations for the use of genomics in evaluating potential monogenic causes of IBD across age groups. METHODS: The consensus included paediatric IBD specialists from the Paediatric IBD Porto group of the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and specialists from several monogenic IBD research consortia. We defined key topics and performed a systematic literature review to cover indications, technologies (targeted panel, exome and genome sequencing), gene panel setup, cost-effectiveness of genetic screening, and requirements for the clinical care setting. We developed recommendations that were voted upon by all authors and Porto group members (32 voting specialists). RESULTS: We recommend next-generation DNA-sequencing technologies to diagnose monogenic causes of IBD in routine clinical practice embedded in a setting of multidisciplinary patient care. Routine genetic screening is not recommended for all IBD patients. Genetic testing should be considered depending on age of IBD-onset (infantile IBD, very early-onset IBD, paediatric or young adult IBD), and further criteria, such as family history, relevant comorbidities, and extraintestinal manifestations. Genetic testing is also recommended in advance of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We developed a diagnostic algorithm that includes a gene panel of 75 monogenic IBD genes. Considerations are provided also for low resource countries. CONCLUSIONS: Genomic technologies should be considered an integral part of patient care to investigate patients at risk for monogenic forms of IBD.