Prescriptions of anti-reflux drugs in neonatology and neonatal intensive care units: A large multicentre observational study (2014-2022).

AIMS: Gastro-oesophageal reflux is common in newborns, especially in premature infants. Treatment by medication is controversial as the drugs prescribed have not been consistently proven to be effective and are known to have adverse effects. This study sought to identify trends in the prescription of anti-reflux medication in a large group of French neonatal units. METHODS: Data on prescriptions of anti-reflux treatments-proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), antacids, histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and prokinetics-from 2014 to 2022 for infants with a corrected gestational age <45 weeks, were extracted from a prescription database (Logipren®) used by 63 French neonatal units, and then analysed. RESULTS: Of all infants recorded in the database during the study period (n = 152 743), 10.2% (n = 15 650) were prescribed anti-reflux medication (95% confidence interval [CI] 10.0-10.4%), mainly as monotherapy (77.5%). The rate was higher in the subgroup of preterm infants born before 28 weeks of gestation (n = 9493) (20.6%, 95% CI 19.8-21.4%; n = 1956). PPIs were the most commonly prescribed anti-reflux medications (6.9% of infants, 95% CI 6.8-7.0), followed by antacids (5.2%, 95% CI 5.1-5.3%), while H2RAs and prokinetics were rarely prescribed. Over the period, the prescription rate remained stable for PPIs, decreased for H2RAs (τ = -0.86, P = .02), and, among preterm infants born at gestational ages of 28-31 or 32-36 weeks, increased for antacids. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-reflux medications were frequently prescribed by neonatal units, especially for extremely premature infants. Most of these prescriptions were for PPIs and antacids.

Analysis of feeding and eating disorders in 191 children according to psychiatric or gastroenterological recruitment: The PEDIAFED cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The DSM-5 classification introduced new Feeding and Eating Disorders (FED) diagnostic categories, notably Avoidant and Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID), which, like other FED, can present psychiatric and gastrointestinal symptoms. However, paediatric clinical research that focuses on children below the age of 12 years remains scarce. The aim of this study was first to investigate the clinical features of FED in a cohort of children, second to compare them according to their recruitment (gastroenterology or psychiatry unit). METHOD: This non-interventional retrospective cohort study analysed 191 patients in a French paediatric tertiary care centre (gastroenterology n = 100, psychiatry n = 91). The main outcome variables were clinical data (type of FED, BMI, nutritional support, chronic diseases, psychiatric comorbidities, sensory, sleep, language disorders, gastrointestinal complaints, adverse life events, family history). The outcome was defined by a Clinical Global Impression of Change-score. RESULTS: FED diagnoses were ARFID (n = 100), Unspecified FED (UFED, n = 57), anorexia nervosa (AN, n = 33) and one pica/rumination. Mean follow-up was 3.28 years (SD 1.91). ARFID was associated with selective and sensory disorders (p < 0.001); they had more anxiety disorders than patients with UFED (p < 0.001). Patients with UFED had more chewing difficulties, language disorder (p < 0.001), and more FED related to chronic disease (p < 0.05) than patients with ARFID and AN. Patients with AN were female, underweight, referred exclusively to the psychiatrist, and had more depression than patients with ARFID and UFED (p < 0.001). The gastroenterology cohort included more UFED, while the psychiatry cohort included more psychiatric comorbidities (p < 0.001). A worse clinical outcome was associated with ARFID, a younger age at onset (p < 0.001), selective/sensory disorders and nutritional support (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: ARFID and UFED children were diagnosed either by gastroenterologists or psychiatrists. Due to frequently associated somatic and psychiatric comorbidities, children with FED should benefit from a multidisciplinary assessment and care.

Jejunal Feeding by Gastrojejunal Tube in Pediatric Refractory Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study is to determine whether jejunal nutrition by gastrojejunal tube (GJT) could be a therapeutic option for refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), avoiding further antireflux surgery. METHODS: A monocentric retrospective study was conducted for all children <18 years who underwent GJT placement to treat GERD. We collected data at the first GJT placement, 5 months after last GJT withdrawal, and at the end of the follow-up (June 2021). RESULTS: Among 46 GERD patients with 86 GJT, 32 (69.6%) and 30 (65.2%) avoided antireflux surgery 5 and 28 months, respectively, after the definitive GJT removal. Five months after GJT removal, discharge from hospital, transition to gastric nutrition, GERD complications, and treatment were significantly improved. Median age and weight at the first GJT placement were 7 months and 6.8 kg. Patients had digestive comorbidities or complicated GERD in 69.6% and 76.1% patients, respectively. The median duration of jejunal nutrition using GJT was 64.5 days. GJT had to be removed in 63 (75.9%) cases for technical problems. CONCLUSIONS: Jejunal nutrition by GJT could be an alternative to antireflux surgery avoiding sustainably antireflux surgery in most of complicated GERD patients. The high frequency of mechanical complications raises that these devices should be technically improved.

Phenotypic switch of smooth muscle cells in paediatric chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction syndrome.

Smooth Muscle Cells (SMC) are unique amongst all muscle cells in their capacity to modulate their phenotype. Indeed, SMCs do not terminally differentiate but instead harbour a remarkable capacity to dedifferentiate, switching between a quiescent contractile state and a highly proliferative and migratory phenotype, a quality often associated to SMC dysfunction. However, phenotypic plasticity remains poorly examined in the field of gastroenterology in particular in pathologies in which gut motor activity is impaired. Here, we assessed SMC status in biopsies of infants with chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction (CIPO) syndrome, a life-threatening intestinal motility disorder. We showed that CIPO-SMCs harbour a decreased level of contractile markers. This phenotype is accompanied by an increase in Platelet-Derived Growth Factor Receptor-alpha (PDGFRA) expression. We showed that this modulation occurs without origin-related differences in CIPO circular and longitudinal-derived SMCs. As we characterized PDGFRA as a marker of digestive mesenchymal progenitors during embryogenesis, our results suggest a phenotypic switch of the CIPO-SMC towards an undifferentiated stage. The development of CIPO-SMC culture and the characterization of SMC phenotypic switch should enable us to design therapeutic approaches to promote SMC differentiation in CIPO.

Safety and Tolerance of a Novel Anti-Regurgitation Formula: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVES: A novel anti-regurgitation (AR) formula has been designed to support gut health and improve gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms beyond regurgitation. This study assessed the tolerance and safety of this new AR formula. METHODS: This was a 4-week double-blind, randomized, controlled trial with a 4-week extension in formula-fed infants with regurgitation. The new AR (Test) formula contained 0.4 g/100 mL locust bean gum (LBG) as thickener, partly fermented formula with postbiotics, and short-chain galacto-oligosaccharides (scGOS) and long-chain fructo-oligosaccharides (lcFOS) (0.4 g/100 mL, ratio 9:1). The Control AR formula contained LBG (0.4 g/100 mL) with postbiotics and has a history of safe use. The primary outcome was the Infant Gastrointestinal Symptom Questionnaire (IGSQ) sum score including stooling, spitting-up/vomiting, crying, fussiness and flatulence. RESULTS: All 182 infants screened were enrolled in the study. The primary analysis showed the equivalence of the IGSQ sum scores at Week 4 between groups. IGSQ sum scores improved significantly within 1 week (Mixed Model Repeated Measurement [MMRM], P < 0.001). Post-hoc analyses showed a bigger improvement of the IGSQ score in the Test (n = 38) versus Control (n = 44) group (MMRM, P = 0.008) in infants with more severe gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (IGSQ score ≥35). Stool characteristics were comparable between groups. Growth related z scores were in line with the WHO child growth standards and both groups showed improvement of regurgitation. Adverse events did not show any safety concerns. CONCLUSIONS: The novel AR formula combining LBG, scGOS/lcFOS and postbiotics is well-tolerated, safe and supports adequate growth during the intervention. Post-hoc analyses suggest that the formula results in more improvement of GI symptom burden in infants with more severe symptoms.

A large-scale study to describe the prevalence, characteristics and management of functional gastrointestinal disorders in African infants.

AIM: To evaluate the pattern, impact on quality of life and management of common functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and related signs and symptoms in infants below 1 year of age in Africa. METHODS: Multicentre, cross-sectional, observational study in 10 African countries. At the first paediatric consultation of children with gastrointestinal symptoms, the perception of paediatricians on FGIDs (infant colic, constipation and regurgitation) and gas/bloating, impact on infant quality of life and parental anxiety and patient management practices were evaluated by standardised questionnaires. RESULTS: Questionnaires were completed by 759 paediatricians for 10 812 infants. Overall, 49.9% of paediatricians reported ≥30% of first infant consultations each month for FGIDs or related symptoms. Infant colic was most commonly diagnosed (57.6% of infants), followed by gas/bloating (43.2%), regurgitation (39.7%) and constipation (31.4%). Overall, 53% presented >1 symptom. Mean scores for infant quality of life, sleep and parental anxiety were worse when children had multiple symptoms compared to children with a single symptom (P < .025). Prescription of medication was common (62.4%). There were no consistent differences between countries. CONCLUSION: Functional gastrointestinal disorder occurrence in Africa was high with a gap between expert recommendation that emphasises parental reassurance and nutritional advice and daily practice, particularly prescription of medication.

Screening of esophageal varices in children using esophageal capsule endoscopy: a multicenter prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) is the standard method for diagnosis of esophageal and gastric varices in children. In this prospective study we evaluated the use of PillCam esophageal capsule endoscopy (ECE) in pediatric patients. METHODS: Patients aged 7 to 18 years presenting with portal hypertension and/or cirrhosis underwent ECE (PillCam ESO 2, Given Imaging Ltd.) followed by EGD. RESULTS: 102 patients were screened, 81 (52 boys; mean age 13.96 ±â€Š0.25 years) were included and 21 were excluded (16 for "candy test" failure). Esophageal varices were identified by EGD in 62 patients (77 %) and by ECE in 57 patients (70 %) using the de Franchis classification (DFC). The sensitivity of ECE for esophageal varices was 92 % and the specificity was 100 % using DFC. Based upon 57/81 patients with small, medium, and large varices on both ECE and EGD, using DFC, the sensitivity, specificity, positive (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were 55 %, 92 %, 89 %, and 63 %, respectively, giving a total overall accuracy of 72 %. To improve sensitivity and specificity in classification of esophageal varices, we propose using a modified score. This score detected esophageal varices with 100 % sensitivity, 93 % specificity, 94 % PPV, and 100 % NPV, giving a total overall accuracy of 97 %. All patients preferred ECE over EGD. No capsule retention was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: ECE is a well-tolerated and safe procedure in children. Using the modified score, the sensitivity of ECE is currently sufficient to detect esophageal varices and replace EGD in infants with suspicion of esophageal varices or when EGD is refused.

Physicians advice, parental practice and adherence to doctor's advice: an original survey on infant feeding.

BACKGROUND: Despite several years of guidance on infant feeding, there has been only a slight change in consumer compliance. Therefore, this study aimed to analyse parents feeding practices, explore physicians' advice about infant feeding and subsequent parent's adherence to advice. METHODS: A multicentric cross-sectional qualitative and descriptive self-report online study was conducted in volunteers to participate in the study. RESULTS: Fifty-four physicians (paediatricians and general practitioners) and 600 parents of infants were recruited. Of the infants, 20.2% presented at inclusion with at least one type of functional gastrointestinal disorder. The breastfeeding prevalence was quite low (37.3%). The main initial deviance from guidelines said they observed in infant feeding was the early use of cow's milk. More than two-thirds of infants older than 8 months were drinking cow's milk. The introduction of solid foods was globally in line with recommendations. Most physicians gave advice about the different aspects of infant feeding but were seeking more information, as did the parents. A discrepancy between the physicians' statements and the parents' perceptions was observed. However the majority (95.4%) of parents reported that they followed totally or partially the advice received, especially by abandoning subsequently the use of cow's milk in favour of a formula. The main reason for not adhering to the advice was that they did not consider it suitable for their infant and they preferred to rely on their feelings or recommendations from familiars. CONCLUSIONS: This survey provides good insights into parents' infant feeding practices together with the advice given by their doctor. The gap between practices and current guidelines is notable only for breast-feeding and use of formula. Despite several guidelines professionals and parents seek nutrition information. It highlights the need to deliver consistent, relevant, and less confusing messages about infant feeding.

Multiple functional gastrointestinal disorders are frequent in formula-fed infants and decrease their quality of life.

AIM: This prospective study evaluated the incidence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) during infancy, on their own or combined with other symptoms. METHODS: We asked 273 French paediatricians with a specific interest in FGIDs to provide feedback on 2757 infants aged zero to six months from March 2013 to January 2014. Gastrointestinal health status was assessed by two questionnaires at inclusion and at a four-week follow-up visit. FGIDs were assessed according to the Rome III criteria and quality of life (QoL) was monitored. RESULTS: Combined FGIDs were diagnosed in 2145 (78%) infants: 63% with two disorders and 15% with three or more disorders. The most frequently combined FGIDs were gas/bloating and colic (28%), colic and regurgitation (17.0%) and gas/bloating and regurgitation (8%). Compared to infants with a single FGID, combined FGID were associated with lower body weight (4.63 vs 4.79 kg, p = 0.009), shorter breastfeeding duration (33 vs 43 days, p < 0.001), a decreased QoL score (5.9 vs 6.5, p < 0.001), more frequent drug prescriptions (25% vs 13%, p < 0.001) and significantly greater improvements in QoL scores after four weeks (p = 0.003). CONCLUSION: Combined FGIDs were extremely common in infants up to six months of age and had a negative impact on breastfeeding, weight gain and QoL.

Role of Lactoferrin in Neonates and Infants: An Update.

Lactoferrin is one of the most represented and important bioactive proteins in human and mammal milk. In humans, lactoferrin is responsible for several actions targeting anti-infective, immunological, and gastrointestinal domains in neonates, infants, and young children. Evidence-based data vouch for the ability of supplemented lactoferrin to prevent sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants and to reduce the burden of morbidity related to gastrointestinal and respiratory pathogens in young children. However, several issues remain pending regarding answers and clarification related to quality control, correct intakes, optimal schedules and schemes of supplementations, interactions with probiotics, and different types of milk and formulas. This review summarizes the current evidence regarding lactoferrin and discusses the areas in need of further guidance prior to the adoption of strategies that include a routine use of lactoferrin in neonates and young children.

Postsurgical Perforation of the Esophagus Can Be Treated Using a Fully Covered Stent in Children.

OBJECTIVES: Surgery and conservative treatment of esophageal or gastric perforations are both often associated with poor results and carry a high morbidity and mortality rate. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of using fully covered self-expending metallic stents (SEMS) in children with upper digestive leaks. METHODS: This retrospective study reviewed all children with esophageal or gastric perforation who were treated with placement of an SEMS from January 2011 to January 2015. Closure of the perforation was the primary outcome measured. Secondary outcomes were the duration of antibiotic therapy and parenteral nutrition, adverse events, and length of hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 19 SEMS were placed in 10 patients (median age: 5.5 years; 5 girls) treated for postanastomotic leaks of esophageal atresia (n = 3), esophagogastroplasty (n = 4), resection of esophageal duplication (n = 1) or perforation during Toupet surgical dismantling (n = 1), and gastric rupture after Nissen surgery (n = 1). The perforation closed in 9 out of 10 patients in a mean of 36 days after stenting (range: 13-158 days). All patients received antibiotic therapy for an average of 17.5 days (3-109 days) and parenteral nutrition for 49 days (17-266 days). During a median follow-up of 8.9 months, 4 out of 9 sealed perforations developed stenosis, which was efficiently treated by endoscopic dilations in 2 patients and surgical redo in 2 patients with dilation-resistant stenosis. CONCLUSIONS: Covered stents appear to be beneficial in closing esophageal perforations in children and can avoid the high morbidity of a surgical repair. Stenosis, however, occurred frequently after larger leakages.

Prevalence of Barrett Esophagus in Adolescents and Young Adults With Esophageal Atresia.

OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of Barrett esophagus (BE) (gastric and/or intestinal metaplasia) in adolescents treated for esophageal atresia (EA). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: EA patients are at high risk of BE. METHODS: This multicenter prospective study included EA patients aged 15 to 19 years. All eligible patients were proposed an upper endoscopy with multistaged esophageal biopsies under general anesthesia. Histological suspicion of metaplasia was confirmed centrally. RESULTS: One hundred twenty patients [mean age, 16.5 years (±1.4)] were included; 70% had been treated for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) during infancy. At evaluation, 8% were undernourished, 41% had received antireflux surgery, and 41% presented with GERD symptoms, although only 28% were receiving medical treatment. Esophagitis was found at endoscopy in 34% and confirmed at histology in 67%. BE was suspected after endoscopy in 37% and was confirmed by histology for 43% of patients (50 gastric and 1 intestinal metaplasia). No endoscopic or histological anomalies were found at the anastomosis site. BE was not significantly related to clinical symptoms. In multivariate analysis, BE was associated with EA without fistula (P = 0.03), previous multiple antireflux surgery (P = 0.04), esophageal dilation (P = 0.04), suspicion of BE at endoscopy (P < 0.001), and histological esophagitis (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with EA are at high risk of persistent GERD and BE. The development of BE is related to GERD history. Long-term systematic follow-up of the esophageal mucosa including multistaged biopsies is required, even in asymptomatic patients. (NCT02495051).

Biopsy-Induced Duodenal Hematoma Is Not an Infrequent Complication Favored by Bone Marrow Transplantation.

OBJECTIVES: Intraduodenal hematoma (IDH) is an uncommon complication of endoscopic duodenal biopsy that can cause severe obstruction of the digestive, biliary, or pancreatic tracts. We aimed to analyze the risk factors and outcomes of biopsy-induced IDH in our series. METHODS: Between 2010 and 2014, a retrospective chart review was conducted for all children younger than 18 years of age treated for IDH. We collected their data in our tertiary pediatric center and compared them to those of controls matched for age, sex, and pathology. RESULTS: Among 2705 upper nontherapeutic endoscopies and 1163 duodenal biopsies, 7 IDH occurred in 6 children suspected of developing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) after bone marrow transplantation (BMT) and in 1 patient with Noonan syndrome. The IDH prevalence was significantly higher after BMT compared to children who did not undergo grafting (7% vs 0.1%; P = 7.9 × 10; odds ratio = 82). After a median delay of 48 hours, patients developed intestinal obstruction with abdominal pain and vomiting. The diagnosis was confirmed by using ultrasonography or computed tomography scans. Acute pancreatitis was determined in 3 out of 7 patients. Conservative treatment allowed complete resolution in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: IDH is not an infrequent complication of endoscopic duodenal biopsy, especially in patients who undergo BMT. Endoscopists should be especially careful during the duodenal biopsy procedure in these patients. With no early perforation due to post-biopsy IDH reported, the prognosis is good and conservative management generally leads to resolution of the symptoms in 2 to 3 weeks.

Plummer-Vinson Syndrome in Children.

OBJECTIVES: Plummer-Vinson syndrome (PVS), also called Kelly-Paterson syndrome, is a rare cause of dysphagia in children. This syndrome associates single or multiple webs in the upper esophagus with frequent iron deficiency. METHODS: We reported 3 pediatric cases of PVS before analyzing all of the cases of PVS in children reported in the PubMed and EMBASE databases. RESULTS: Among 17 reported PVS cases in children, all of the patients experienced iron-deficiency anemia, and no immunological disease was reported. The male/female ratio was 1/1.9, and most cases were observed in adolescents. Conversely to adults, endoscopic dilation was often necessary because dysphagia resisted iron supplementation. A single dilation was usually sufficient. One case of pediatric PVS experienced esophageal cancer in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: In the case of dysphagia in children, a swallow barium exploration with lateral incidence should look for PVS. Conversely to adults, an endoscopic dilation is frequently necessary to control dysphagia in children.

Prevalence and Health Outcomes of Functional Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Infants From Birth to 12 Months of Age.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to review published evidence and the opinion of practising clinicians on the prevalence and long-term health consequences of functional gastrointestinal symptoms in infants younger than 12 months. METHODS: PubMed was searched from inception to November 2014 to find articles reporting the prevalence and long-term health outcomes of infantile colic, regurgitation, functional constipation, functional diarrhoea, and dyschezia in infants younger than <12 months. A questionnaire was sent to practising clinicians worldwide, and a group of 15 international experts met to discuss the likely frequency and longer-term consequences of these symptoms. RESULTS: The literature search identified 30 studies reporting the prevalence of infantile colic (2%-73%), 13 that of regurgitation (3%-87%), 8 that of functional constipation (0.05%-39.3%), 2 that of functional diarrhoea (2%-4.1%), and 3 that of dyschezia (0.9%-5.6%). The studies varied in design, populations investigated, and definition of the symptoms. Questionnaires were received from 369 respondents. The experts agreed that the likely prevalences for colic, regurgitation, and functional constipation were 20%, 30%, and 15%, respectively. The limited data in the literature for functional diarrhoea and dyschezia suggest prevalences <10%. Infantile colic may be associated with future health problems in a subset of infants. CONCLUSIONS: Functional gastrointestinal symptoms appear to occur in a significant proportion of infants younger than 12 months and may have an impact on future health outcomes. Prospective collection of data according to agreed criteria is needed to obtain more accurate estimates of the prevalence and consequences of these symptoms.

Indications for extensively hydrolyzed cow's milk protein in the neonatal period.

A large proportion of prescriptions for extensively hydrolyzed cow's milk protein (CMP) in newborns are not based on any scientific data justifying the indication. Many of these prescriptions are old habits or are based on incomplete data. The aim of this article is to analyze these practices and propose recommendations. The following points are covered: (a) indications for extensively hydrolyzed formula based on studies demonstrating their benefits in these situations-newborns with a proven allergy to CMP and occasional prescription of supplements to breastfeeding; (b) possible indications not based on a high level of evidence-re-initiation of feeding due to necrotizing enterocolitis, short bowel syndrome, re-initiation of feeding of newborns following intestinal surgery, and laparoschisis if neither the mother's own milk nor milk from a lactarium is available; (c) unjustified indications-newborns at risk of atopy, prematurity, severe neurological pathologies, newborns who are hemodynamically unstable and/or have congenital cardiopathy, neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treated with hypothermia, and newborns with esophageal atresia or diaphragmatic hernia. By following this classification, the prescriber will be guided to use the milk best suited to the pathology, bearing in mind that each situation must be adapted individually and the tolerance and effectiveness of the food reassessed from a nutritional and functional point of view.

Impact of diet on sensory processing in early childhood: summary of an interactive webconference / expert roundtable discussion.

Pediatric feeding disorders can be seen in up to 45% of normally developing children aged under 5 years old, mainly during the first three years of life when the child has inadequate food intake and/or difficulty maintaining adequate growth, and/or lack of age-appropriate eating habit. This article describes the opinion of a group of experts on children eating patterns and how to manage pediatric feeding disorders, with the aim to improve the quality of life of children and their caregivers.

Oral exploration and food selectivity: A case-control study conducted in a multidisciplinary outpatient setting.

Background: Pediatric feeding disorders (PFDs) are common, and their great phenotypic variability reflects the breadth of the associated nosological profiles. PFDs should be assessed and managed by multidisciplinary teams. Our study aimed to describe clinical signs of feeding difficulties in a group of PFD patients assessed by such a team, and to compare them with children in a control group. Methods: In this case-control study, case group patients 1 to 6 years old were consecutively recruited through the multidisciplinary unit for the treatment of pediatric feeding difficulties based at Robert Debré Teaching Hospital in Paris, France. Children with an encephalopathy, severe neurometabolic disorder, or genetic syndrome (suspected or confirmed) were excluded. Members of the control group, consisting of children with no feeding difficulties (i.e., Montreal Children's Hospital Feeding Scale scores below 60) or severe chronic diseases, were recruited from a day care center and 2 kindergartens. Data from medical histories and clinical examination related to mealtime practices, oral motor skills, neurodevelopment, sensory processing, and any functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) were recorded and compared between groups. Results: In all, 244 PFD cases were compared with 109 controls (mean ages: cases, 3.42 [±1.47]; controls, 3.32 [±1.17]; P = 0.55). Use of distractions during meals was much more among PFD children (cases, 77.46%; controls, 5.5%; P < 0.001), as was conflict during meals. While the groups did not differ in their members' hand-mouth coordination or ability to grab objects, cases began exploring their environments later; mouthing, especially, was less common in the case group (cases, n = 80 [32.92%]; controls, n = 102 [94.44%]; P < 0.001). FGIDs and signs of visual, olfactory, tactile, and oral hypersensitivity were significantly more frequent among cases. Conclusion: Initial clinical assessments showed that, in the children with PFDs, normal stages of environmental exploration were altered, and that this was often associated with signs of sensory hypersensitivity and digestive discomfort.

Digestive Tolerance and Safety of an Anti-Regurgitation Formula Containing Locust Bean Gum, Prebiotics and Postbiotics: A Real-World Study.

Purpose: Infant regurgitation is associated with other functional gastrointestinal disorders and signs and symptoms that have a major impact on the quality of life of infants and their families. This study evaluated the safety, tolerance, and real-world effectiveness of an anti-regurgitation formula containing locust bean gum (LBG), prebiotics, and postbiotics to alleviate digestive symptoms beyond regurgitation. Methods: This 3-month study involved infants with regurgitation requiring the prescription of an anti-regurgitation formula according to usual clinical practice. Outcomes included evaluation of the evolution of stool consistency and frequency; occurrence of colic, constipation, and diarrhea; and assessment of regurgitation severity. Infant crying, parental assessment of infant well-being, and parental satisfaction with the stool consistency were also evaluated. Results: In total, 190 infants (average age: 1.9±1.1 months) were included. After three months, stool frequency and consistency remained within the normal physiological range, with 82.7% of infants passing one or two stools per day and 90.4% passing loose or formed stools. There was no significant increase in the number of infants with diarrhea, whereas a decrease was observed in the number of infants with constipation after 1 month (p=0.001) and with colic after both 1 and 3 months (p<0.001). Regurgitation severity and crying decreased and parental satisfaction with stool consistency, formula acceptability, infant well-being, and sleep quality increased. Monitoring of adverse events did not reveal any safety concerns. Conclusion: Formulas containing LBG, prebiotics, and postbiotics were well tolerated and provided an effective strategy for managing infant regurgitation and gastrointestinal discomfort.

Anti-infective treatment of gastro-intestinal tract infections in children.

Gastroenteritis is most often viral in origin and Rotavirus and Norovirus most frequently implicated in young children. Stool-based multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) can detect bacteria, viruses or parasites that may or may not be responsible for gastroenteritis (colonization). While the etiological profile of these digestive infections has greatly benefited from PCR, in the absence of underlying pathologies the presence of potential pathogens does not justify anti-infectious treatment. Indeed, very few bacterial causes require antibiotic treatment, apart from shigellosis, severe forms of salmonellosis and a few Campylobacter sp. infections. The development of antibiotic resistance in Salmonella sp., Shigella sp. and Campylobacter sp. is a cause for concern worldwide, limiting therapeutic options. The antibiotics proposed in this guide are in line with the joint recommendations of the European Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. Azithromycin is preferentially used to treat infections with Shigella sp. or Campylobacter sp. Ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin are recommended for salmonellosis requiring antibiotic therapy. Empirical treatments without bacterial identification are not indicated except in cases of severe sepsis or in subjects at risk (e.g., sickle-cell disease). Metronidazole should be prescribed only for acute intestinal amebiasis after microbiological confirmation.