Psychological distress and coping efficacy in children with disorders of gut-brain interaction.

BACKGROUND: Multiple psychological factors influence disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs). We aimed to evaluate psychological distress in Colombian schoolchildren with and without DGBIs. METHODS: We included children ages 8-18 years without organic medical conditions from largest regional public schools in Colombia. Children completed Spanish versions of Rome III diagnostic questionnaire for DGBIs, State Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC), Children's Somatization Inventory (CSI), and a measure of coping efficacy. These data, demographic and socioeconomic characteristics, were compared between children with DGBIs and healthy peers. Exploratory analyses investigated differences between youth with symptoms of functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) compared with healthy peers. KEY RESULTS: Of 1496 children, 281 (mean age 12.9 ± 2.2 years, 49.8% females) self-reported criteria for DGBIs and 125 reported (44.5%) FAPDs. Children with DGBIs had higher trait anxiety, emotional sensitivity, somatization including GI, non-GI, pain-related, and non-pain-related subscales (p < 0.001 each) and lower coping efficacy (p = 0.02) compared to healthy peers. Females had higher trait anxiety and somatization (p = 0.04 and p = 0.005, respectively). State and trait anxiety and coping efficacy differed based on location in children with DGBIs (p = 0.02, p = 0.03, and p < 0.001, respectively). Children with FAPDs had higher trait anxiety (p = 0.02) and somatization (p < 0.001) compared to healthy youth. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Children with DGBIs had higher anxiety, emotional sensitivity, and somatization, and lower coping efficacy compared with healthy youth. This highlights the importance of appraising psychological distress characteristics as well as incorporating conflict resolution, assertiveness training, and resilience building during the treatment of DGBIs.

Efficacy of transcutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation in functional constipation.

Most children with functional constipation (FC) improve with conventional treatments. However, a proportion of children have poor treatment outcomes. Management of intractable FC may include botulinum toxin injections, transanal irrigation, antegrade enemas, colonic resections, and in some cases sacral nerve stimulation (SNS). SNS is surgically placed, not readily available and expensive. Posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) allows transmission of electronic impulses and retrograde stimulation to the sacral nerve plexus in a portable, simple and non-invasive fashion. To assess the efficacy and safety of transcutaneous PTNS for the treatment of FC in children. Single-center, prospective interventional study. Children 4-14 years with Rome IV diagnosis of FC received ten daily PTNS (30 min/day) sessions. Electrodes placed over skin of ankle. Strength of stimulus was below pain threshold. Outcomes were assessed during treatment and 7 days after. Twenty-three subjects enrolled. Two children excluded (acute gastroenteritis, COVID-19 contact). Twenty completed the study (4-14 years), (8.4 ± 3.2 years, 71.4% female). We found significant improvement in the consistency of bowel movements (BM) (p = 0.005), fecal incontinence (FI) (p = 0.005), abdominal pain presence (p = < 0.001) and intensity (p = 0.005), and a significant for improvement in blood in stools (p = 0.037). There was 86.3% improvement in abdominal pain. 96.7% reported treatment satisfaction. Only one child required rescue therapy. CONCLUSION: We found significant improvement in stool consistency, FI, abdominal pain, and hematochezia. This suggests that transcutaneous PTNS could be a promising noninvasive treatment for FC in children. Large studies are needed. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Functional constipation is one of the most common disorders in children. • Current management of functional constipation consists of an integrative approach that includes medications, diet and behavioral strategies. WHAT IS NEW: • Posterior tibial nerve stimulation is a novel noninvasive and easy to use therapy that can improve stool consistency, fecal incontinence and blood in stools.

Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Neonates and Toddlers According to the Rome IV Criteria: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are classified as a combination of persistent gastrointestinal symptoms. The Rome IV criteria can elucidate several factors in the pathogenesis of FGIDs. The frequency of FGIDs can differ between clinical and nonclinical settings and between geographic regions. To determine the global prevalence of FGIDs in neonates and toddlers according to the Rome IV criteria. We included cohort and descriptive observational studies reporting the prevalence of FGIDs according to the Rome IV criteria in children aged 0-48 months. We searched the Medline, Embase, Lilacs, and CENTRAL databases from May 2016 to the present day. Furthermore, unpublished literature was searched to supplement this information. The Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement was used to evaluate the risk of bias. A meta-analysis of the proportions was performed using MetaProp in R. The results are reported in forest plots. We identified and analyzed 15 studies comprising 48,325 participants. Six studies were conducted in Europe, three in Latin America, two in North America, and four in Asia. Most participants were 12-48 months old (61.0%) and were recruited from the community. The global prevalence of FGIDs was 22.0% (95% confidence interval, 15-31%). The most common disorder was functional constipation (9.0%), followed by infant regurgitation syndrome (8.0%). Its prevalence was higher in the Americas (28.0%). FGIDs, as defined by the Rome IV criteria, are present in 22% of children, and the most common primary disorder is functional constipation. A higher prevalence of FGIDs has been reported in America.

Prevalencia de dispepsia funcional en adolescentes cubanos / Prevalence of Functional Dyspepsia in Cuban Adolescents

Resumen Introducción: los trastornos digestivos funcionales son frecuentes en niños; sin embargo, hay escasos datos sobre la dispepsia funcional (DF) en adolescentes cubanos. Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia de DF en adolescentes cubanos y sus posibles asociaciones. Metodología: se usó el cuestionario para síntomas digestivos pediátricos de Roma IV en español para identificar la presencia de DF en adolescentes de 3 centros escolares de La Habana, Cuba. Se tuvieron en cuenta variables sociodemográficas, personales, familiares, clínicas y epidemiológicas. Resultados: de los 318 adolescentes que participaron en el estudio, 11 adolescentes (3,5 %) de 11,4 ± 1,2 años de edad, 81,8 % de sexo femenino, presentaron DF. La DF fue más frecuente en el sexo femenino (odds ratio [OR]: 5,33; intervalo de confianza [IC] 95 %: 1,06-51,45; p = 0,019). El síndrome de dificultad posprandial (SDP) fue mayor que el síndrome de dolor epigástrico (SDE) en una proporción 1,8:1. En el 63,6 % se presentó superposición entre DF y estreñimiento funcional. Hubo predominio de DF en los niños con padres separados/divorciados (OR: 4,74; IC 95 %: 1,09-28,31; p = 0,014). Conclusión: la DF es más común en adolescentes femeninas, el SDP es el subtipo más frecuente y su presencia está asociada con padres separados/divorciados.

Abstract Introduction: functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are common in children. However, data on functional dyspepsia (FD) in Cuban adolescents is scarce. Objective: to determine the prevalence of FD in Cuban adolescents and their possible associations. Methodology: the questionnaire for pediatric digestive symptoms of Rome IV was used in Spanish to identify the presence of DF in adolescents from 3 schools in La Havana, Cuba. Sociodemographic, personal, family, clinical, and epidemiological variables were considered. Results: of the 318 adolescents who participated in the study, 11 (3.5%) aged 11.4 ± 1.2 years, 81.8% female, presented FD. Functional dyspepsia was more frequent in females (odds ratio [OR]: 5.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.06-51.45; p = 0.019). The postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) was higher than the epigastric pain syndrome (SDE) by a 1.8:1 ratio. There was an overlap between DF and functional constipation in 63.6% of the patients. There was an FD predominance in children with separated or divorced parents (OR: 4.74; 95% CI: 1.09-28.31; p = 0.014). Conclusion: functional dyspepsia is most common in female adolescents, PSD is the most frequent subtype, and its presence is associated with separated or divorced parents.

Effects of a Modern Kefir on Conditions Associated with Moderate Severe Spastic Quadriparesis Cerebral Palsy.

Cerebral palsy (CP) in children constitutes a set of movement and body posture disorders caused by brain injury, which in turn is associated with a series of intestinal, respiratory, and malnutrition conditions. Twenty-four children were selected and included for the present study and subdivided into two groups: (1) children who included modern kefir (containing 12 probiotic species) in their diet; and (2) control group (not including kefir in their diet). The group supplemented with modern kefir received a beverage with multi probiotic species and the control group received commercial yogurt (which included the 2 typical lactic acid bacteria) for 7 weeks. Anthropometric variables, resting energy expenditure, presence, and diagnosis of functional digestive disorders (FDD), frequency of respiratory problems, presence of elevated C-reactive protein, differential count of leukocytes were evaluated. A significant increase in weight and height was found in the kefir group at the final time point. In addition, kefir intake promoted a significant reduction in functional constipation and stool hardness and increased the absolute value of blood lymphocytes. Since the fermented milk beverage modern kefir improves constipation, which is the most important FDD in children with CP and the nutritional and immune status, it could be considered an important strategy to improve health in these children.

A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS IN SCHOOLCHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH FUNCTIONAL GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDERS ACCORDING TO ROME IV CRITERIA.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in children according to Rome IV criteria. METHODS: We included cohorts and observational descriptive studies, including information for the prevalence of FGIDs according to Rome IV criteria in children 4 to 18 years old. We searched the MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, LILACS, and CENTRAL databases from May 2016 to nowadays. Gray literature and other databases were also consulted. The risk of bias was assessed using the STROBE Statement. The results were reported in forest plots of the estimated effects of the included studies with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). RESULTS: We included 14 studies involving a total of 17427 participants. Three studies were conducted in Europe, two in North America, and nine in Latin America. Most studies were school-based (n=14670, 84.18%), participants were mostly female (55.49%), white (51.73%), 8 to 18 years old (77.64%), and assisted to a public school (81.53%). Thirteen studies used the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms (QPGS-RIV) to assess FGIDs. We found a global prevalence for FGIDs of 23% (95%CI 21-25%, I2 99%). Main disorders were functional constipation (FC) with 12% (95%CI 11-15%) followed by functional dyspepsia (FD) (5%, 95%CI 11-15%) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (3%, 95%CI 2-4%). The prevalence of FGIDs was higher in the Americas, representing 23.67% (95%CI 21.2-26.2%, I2 91.3%). CONCLUSION: FGIDs are present in one of four children and adolescents, representing a common condition in this age group the central disorders were FC, FD, and IBS.

Prevalencia de desórdenes gastrointestinales funcionales en adolescentes

RESUMEN Introducción: Los desórdenes gastrointestinales funcionales pediátricos, comprenden un conjunto de síntomas gastrointestinales crónicos o recurrentes, no explicados por anomalías estructurales o bioquímicas, con interferencia importante en la calidad de vida del niño y su familia. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de los desórdenes gastrointestinales funcionales en adolescentes. Métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo de corte transversal, prospectivo con 318 adolescentes pertenecientes a los centros de enseñanza del reparto Camilo Cienfuegos del municipio Habana del Este, en el período comprendido entre marzo 2020 y enero del 2021. Las variables utilizadas fueron edad, sexo, antecedentes personales de dengue, antecedentes familiares de desórdenes gastrointestinales familiares, primogénito, padres separados, hijo único, prematuridad y nacimiento por cesárea. Se utilizó el cuestionario para síntomas digestivos pediátricos, basado en los criterios de Roma IV. Resultados: Un total de 93 estudiantes, para 29,2 % cumplieron los criterios diagnósticos de Roma IV para algún desorden gastrointestinal funcional. Se encontró predominio del sexo femenino (34,3 %) y del grupo de 10-12 años (30 %). El estreñimiento funcional se diagnosticó en 22,7 % de los adolescentes, seguido de la dispepsia funcional en 3,5 %. Conclusiones: Los desórdenes gastrointestinales funcionales son comunes en los adolescentes del estudio. El estreñimiento funcional es el trastorno más frecuente. Los desórdenes gastrointestinales funcionales se presentan de forma significativa en adolescentes del sexo femenino.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders comprise a set of chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms, not explained by structural or biochemical abnormalities, with significant interference in the quality of life of the child and his/her family. Objective: Determine the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in adolescents. Methods: Observational, descriptive cross-sectional, prospective study with 318 adolescents belonging to the educational centers of Camilo Cienfuegos neighborhood, Habana del Este municipality, in the period between March 2020 and January 2021. The variables used were age, sex, personal history of dengue, family history of gastrointestinal disorders, firstborn, separated parents, only child, prematurity and birth by cesarean section. The questionnaire for pediatric digestive symptoms, based on the Rome IV criteria, was used. Results: A total of 93 students (29.2%) met the diagnostic criteria of Rome IV for some functional gastrointestinal disorder. A predominance of the female sex (34.3%) and the group of 10-12 years (30%) was found. Functional constipation was diagnosed in 22.7% of adolescents, followed by functional dyspepsia (3.5%). Conclusions: Functional gastrointestinal disorders are common in the studied adolescents. Functional constipation is the most common disorder. Functional gastrointestinal disorders occur significantly in female adolescents.

Uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise em escolares e adolescentes com Distúrbios gastrointestinais funcionáis de acordo com os critérios de Roma IV / A systematic review and meta-analysis in schoolchildren and adolescents with functional gastrointestinal disorders according to rome iv criteria

ABSTRACT Objective: To determine the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in children according to Rome IV criteria. Methods: We included cohorts and observational descriptive studies, including information for the prevalence of FGIDs according to Rome IV criteria in children 4 to 18 years old. We searched the MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, LILACS, and CENTRAL databases from May 2016 to nowadays. Gray literature and other databases were also consulted. The risk of bias was assessed using the STROBE Statement. The results were reported in forest plots of the estimated effects of the included studies with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI). Results: We included 14 studies involving a total of 17427 participants. Three studies were conducted in Europe, two in North America, and nine in Latin America. Most studies were school-based (n=14670, 84.18%), participants were mostly female (55.49%), white (51.73%), 8 to 18 years old (77.64%), and assisted to a public school (81.53%). Thirteen studies used the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms (QPGS-RIV) to assess FGIDs. We found a global prevalence for FGIDs of 23% (95%CI 21-25%, I2 99%). Main disorders were functional constipation (FC) with 12% (95%CI 11-15%) followed by functional dyspepsia (FD) (5%, 95%CI 11-15%) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) (3%, 95%CI 2-4%). The prevalence of FGIDs was higher in the Americas, representing 23.67% (95%CI 21.2-26.2%, I2 91.3%). Conclusion: FGIDs are present in one of four children and adolescents, representing a common condition in this age group the central disorders were FC, FD, and IBS.

RESUMO Objetivo: Determinar a prevalência de distúrbios gastrointestinais funcionáis (DGF) em crianças de acordo com os critérios de Roma IV. Métodos: Incluímos coortes e estudos observacionais descritivos, incluindo informações para a prevalência de DGF de acordo com os critérios de Roma IV em crianças de 4 a 18 anos. Pesquisamos nas bases de dados MEDLINE (Ovid), EMBASE, LILACS e CENTRAL de maio de 2016 até os dias atuais. A literatura cinzenta e outras bases de dados também foram consultadas. O risco de viés foi avaliado usando a Declaração STROBE. Os resultados foram relatados em parcelas florestais dos efeitos estimados dos estudos incluídos com um intervalo de confiança de 95% (95%IC). Resultados: Foram incluídos 14 estudos envolvendo um total de 17.427 participantes. Três estudos foram realizados na Europa, dois na América do Norte e nove na América Latina. A maioria dos estudos foi de base escolar (n=14.670, 84,18%), os participantes eram em sua maioria do sexo feminino (55,49%), brancos (51,73%), de 8 a 18 anos (77,64%) e atendidos em escola pública (81,53%). Treze estudos usaram o Questionário de Sintomas Gastrointestinais Pediátricos (QPGS-RIV) para avaliar DGF. Encontramos uma prevalência global de DGF de 23% (95%IC 21-25%, I2 99%). Os principais distúrbios foram constipação funcional (CF) com 12% (95%IC 11-15%) seguido de dispepsia funcional (DF) (5%, 95%IC 11-15%) e síndrome do intestino irritável (SII) (3%, 95%IC 2-4%). A prevalência de DGF foi maior nas Américas, representando 23,67% (95%IC 21, 2-26,2%, I2 91,3%). Conclusão: DGF estão presentes em uma de quatro crianças e adolescentes, representando uma condição comum nessa faixa etária. Os distúrbios centrais foram CF, DF e SII.

Prevalence of joint hypermobility, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), and orthostatic hypotension in school-children. / Prevalencia de la hipermovilidad articular, el síndrome de taquicardia postural (POTS) y la hipotensión ortostática en escolares.

INTRODUCTION: Children with joint hypermobility, postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, and orthostatic hypotension report autonomic symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, headaches, and palpitations. It is unclear if there is a pathophysiological link between connective tissue disorders and autonomic symptoms. There is no published data on the prevalence of disorder at the community level. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence of joint hypermobility, orthostatic hypotension, and postural or thostatic tachycardia syndrome in children. SECONDARY OBJECTIVE: To determine the relationship bet ween joint hypermobility, orthostatic hypotension, and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Participants aged 10 to 18 years were selected from public schools in three Colombian cities. The surveys included historical questions on the incidence of dizziness, nausea, headache, tremor, blurred vision, vertigo, anxiety, near syncope and syncope, sweating, palpitations triggered by standing in the two months prior to the investigation. Each of these signs and symptoms was also assessed during the recumbency (10 minutes) and standing (2, 5 and 10 minutes) phases of the investigation. HR and BP measurements were obtained at the same intervals. Joint mobility was measured with a mechanical goniometer and assessed with the Beighton score. RESULTS: Prevalence of joint hyperlaxity: 87 of 306 (28.4%). Prevalence of orthostatic hypotension: 5 of 306 (1.6%). Prevalen ce of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: 6 of 306 (2.0%). Of 87 children with joint hyperlaxi ty, only 1 child had joint hyperlaxity at the same time as postural hypotension (1.2%) (p = 0.6735), and 1 child had joint hyperlaxity and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome simultaneously (1.2%) (p = 0.5188). CONCLUSION: Children with joint hyperlaxity did not have a higher prevalence of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and orthostatic hypotension. It seems unlikely that con nective tissue disorders are responsible for most cases of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and orthostatic hypotension in the community. Of note, the pathophysiology of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and orthostatic hypotension requires further investigation.

Can We Rely on the Rome IV Questionnaire to Diagnose Children With Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the intra-rater (test-retest) reliability of the diagnosis of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) as measured by the Questionnaire on Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Rome IV version (QPGS-IV) in children. METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted in a public school in Cali, Colombia. Children and adolescents between 11 and 18 years of age were given the self-report Spanish version of the QPGS-IV at day 0 (baseline) and at day 2 (48 hours later). RESULTS: The study protocol was completed by 215 children, of which 97 (45%) were excluded from analysis due to the inability to follow the questionnaire's instructions. The final analysis included data of 118 children (mean age 15.0 ± SD 1.8 years old, 58.5% boys). The most common diagnoses were functional dyspepsia, functional constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. We found a moderate intra-rater reliability (κ = 0.61-0.65) for diagnosing an FGID in general, a functional abdominal pain disorder, and the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia. We found a weak intra-rater reliability (κ = 0.46-0.54) for diagnosing a functional defecation disorder, functional constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and the postprandial distress syndrome subtype of functional dyspepsia. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that a large proportion of children cannot adequately complete the QPGS-IV and that the intra-rater reliability among those who did adequately follow the instructions is moderate. We advise to test the children's understanding of the instructions prior to completion of questionnaires and recommend to not rely exclusively on a self-reported questionnaire to select, recruit, or evaluate pediatric patients for FGIDs for research purposes.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders in children: agreement between Rome III and Rome IV diagnoses.

To evaluate the agreement between the Rome III and Rome IV criteria in diagnosing pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), we conducted a prospective cohort study in a public school in Cali, Colombia. Children and adolescents between 11 and 18 years of age were given the Spanish version of the Questionnaire on Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Rome III version on day 0 and Rome IV version on day 2 (48 h later). The study protocol was completed by 135 children. Thirty-nine (28.9%) children were excluded because of not following the instructions of the questionnaire. The final analysis included data of 96 children (mean 15.2 years old, SD ± 1.7, 54% girls). Less children fulfilled the criteria for an FGID according to Rome IV compared to Rome III (40.6% vs 29.2%, p=0.063) resulting in a minimal agreement between the two criteria in diagnosing an FGID (kappa 0.34, agreement of 70%). The prevalence of functional constipation according to Rome IV was significantly lower compared to Rome III (13.5% vs 31.3%, p<0.001), whereas functional dyspepsia had a higher prevalence according to Rome IV than Rome III (11.5% vs 0%).Conclusion: We found an overall minimal agreement in diagnosing FGIDs according to Rome III and Rome IV criteria. This may be partly explained by the differences in diagnostic criteria. However, limitations with the use of questionnaires to measure prevalence have to be taken into account. What is Known: • The Rome IV criteria replaced the previous Rome III criteria providing updated criteria to diagnose functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). • Differences found between Rome IV and historic Rome III FGID prevalence may have been affected by changes in prevalence over time or differences in sample characteristics. What is New: • We found a minimal agreement between Rome III and Rome IV FGID diagnosis, especially in the diagnoses of functional constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional dyspepsia. • The minimal agreement may be partly explained by changes in diagnostic criteria, but limitations with the use of questionnaires to measure prevalence have to be taken into account.

Hallazgos en la endoscopia digestiva alta en niños con talla baja / Findings of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in children with short stature

Resumen Introducción: en el estudio de la baja talla de origen digestivo en niños no hay un patrón de paraclínicos preestablecido; sin embargo, la endoscopia de vías digestivas puede ser una herramienta útil para tal fin. Objetivo: reportar una serie de casos de niños con diagnóstico de baja talla a quienes se les indicó una endoscopia de vías digestivas altas como parte de su estudio. Reporte de casos: se incluyeron 15 niños entre los 2 y 16 años de edad, 53,3% niñas, 26,7% desnutridos según el índice de masa corporal y la talla para la edad, 66,7% con baja talla grave y 33,3% con baja talla moderada. El 53,3% presentó dolor abdominal, el 46,7% no tuvo ganancia de peso, el 26,7% tuvo inapetencia y el 13,3% tuvo vómito, entre otros. Entre el 40,0% y el 93,4% presentaron macro- o microscópicamente esofagitis, gastritis y duodenitis. Los hallazgos microscópicos más importantes fueron duodenitis crónica con giardiasis, úlceras duodenales, hiperplasia nodular linfoide duodenal, Helicobacter pylori y duodenitis crónica eosinofílica. Conclusiones: a pesar de que la endoscopia de vías digestivas es un método poco utilizado y no bien descrito en el estudio de niños con baja talla, este reporte de casos describe organicidad en un 80,0% de los niños analizados.

Abstract Introduction: The study of short stature of digestive origin in children shows no pre-established laboratory patterns. However, endoscopy of the digestive tract may be a useful tool for this purpose. Objective: To report a series of cases of children with a diagnosis of short stature who underwent upper digestive tract endoscopy as part of their study. Case report: 15 children between the ages of 2 and 16 years were included; 53.3% were girls. 26.7% presented with malnutrition according to their body mass index and height-for-age, 66.7% had short stature, and 33.3% moderate short stature. Abdominal pain was reported in 53.3% of the cases, and no weight gain in 46.7%. Other symptoms were lack of appetite in 26.7%, vomiting in 13.3%, among others. Between 40% and 93.4% of the children presented macro and/or microscopic esophagitis, gastritis, and duodenitis. The most important microscopic findings were chronic duodenitis with giardiasis, duodenal ulcers, duodenal nodular lymphoid hyperplasia, Helicobacter pylori, and chronic eosinophilic duodenitis. Conclusions: Although endoscopy of the digestive tract is a method barely used and not well described in the study of children with short stature, this case report describes organicity in 80% of the children analyzed.

Diagnostic Accuracy of the Rome IV Criteria for the Diagnosis of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children.

ABSTRACT: The diagnosis of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) centers on symptoms-based criteria (Rome criteria). The last edition of the criteria was published in 2016. Still, few data on its validity support its use in children. We conducted a study aimed at determining the diagnostic accuracy of the Rome IV criteria through the application of questionnaires (Questionnaire of Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms-Rome IV QPGS-IV) to diagnose FGIDs in children. We hypothesized that the Rome IV criteria has adequate diagnostic accuracy supporting its use for diagnosing FGIDs in children. METHODS: School children ages 10 to 18 years from Cali (Colombia) completed the Spanish version of the QPGS-IV. Children with FGIDs were matched with a group of children without FGIDs. Both groups had a medical consultation with a blinded experienced pediatric gastroenterologist (criterion standard) who provided his diagnosis. The questionnaire-based diagnoses were compared with the consultation's diagnoses. RESULTS: Of 487 schoolchildren surveyed with the QPGS-IV, 97 (20.8%) had FGIDs. Eighty-nine with FGIDs were matched with 92 children without FGIDs (mean age 13.1 years [±1.3]). We found a higher prevalence of FGIDs during the medical visit than using the self-report QPGS-IV (66.3% vs 49.2%, P = 0.001), mainly in abdominal pain disorders (19.3% vs 10.5%, P = 0.013). The Rome IV diagnostic criteria using the QPGS-IV had a sensitivity of 75% (95% confidence interval, 59-79) and 90% specificity (95% confidence interval, 83-98). Positive predictive value is 85.8%, and negative predictive value is 79.9%. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that the QPGS-IV has adequate diagnostic accuracy.

Utility of the Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale (BITSS) and Bristol Stool Scale in non-toilet-trained children: A large comparative study.

BACKGROUND: One of the criteria for functional constipation (FC) in Rome IV criteria is the presence of hard or painful bowel movements. In adults and children, the Rome IV criteria recommend the use of the Bristol Stool Scale (BSS). This scale is thought not to be appropriate for evaluation of stool consistency in young children. The Brussels Infant and Toddler Stool Scale (BITSS) was developed as a scale for children wearing diapers. There are no prior studies comparing BITSS with BSS in a clinical setting. Our main aim was that BITSS behaves differently than the BSS as it reflects better stool characterization by parents. METHODS: Surveys were provided to parents of participants in two cities from Colombia which included the Rome IV-validated questionnaire and stool consistency assessment using pictures for BSS and BITSS. KEY RESULTS: A total of 666 responses were obtained for non-toilet-trained children, mean age was 16.6 months. Detection for normal stools was higher using BSS (58.6%) when compared to BITSS (13.6%), and conversely was more likely to be abnormal through BITSS (86.4%) than BSS (41.4%) (p < 0.0001). BITSS (57.4%) was better than BSS (25.3%) identifying hard stools in FC (p = 0.000). For hard stools per parental classification, BITSS' definition was better than BSS (75.8% vs 44%, respectively, p = 0.000). CONCLUSIONS: The BITSS and BSS behave differently. The BITSS seems to be more sensitive to detect hard stools and FC than BSS. More studies are needed to better define whether BITSS is appropriate to replace BSS in non-toilet-trained infants and toddlers.

Functional Abdominal Pain and Nutritional Status of Children. A School-Based Study.

Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPD) are the most common chronic pain conditions in pediatric gastroenterology. They account for 50% of all pediatric gastroenterology clinic visits. The pathophysiology of FAPDs is poorly understood, but there is growing understanding of the role of food and the patient's nutritional state in both their treatment and prognosis. Clinic-based studies have shown a higher prevalence of FAPDs, and worse prognosis among obese children with FAPDs. We aimed to assess the nutritional status of children with FAPD to determine if there is increased prevalence of FAPDs in obese or underweight patients. We conducted a cross sectional study of schoolchildren in Colombia. We enrolled 1030 patients from five schools and screened them for FAPDs using Rome IV criteria. Data on weight, height, abdominal circumference and BMI were collected for each child. Cases (FAPDs) were compared with a control group of enrolled children who did not meet diagnostic criteria for any functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID). We diagnosed 58 (5.8%) children with FAPDs based on Rome IV criteria. When we compared to participants who were not diagnosed with FGIDs by screening, there was no statistically significant difference in children who were obese (OR 0.34 CI: 0.03-1.34, p = 0.124) or overweight (OR 1.00 CI: 0.46-2.02, p = 0.984) or those with increased abdominal circumference (OR 0.94, CI: 0.10-3.90, p = 0.943). FAPDs are not more common among obese children compared with healthy controls at a community level. Obese children may have been overrepresented in previous studies which were done at a clinical level due to comorbidities and a more severe phenotype that makes them more likely to consult. Nutritional status is not a useful predictor for the occurrence of FAPDs in children in the general population.

Celiac Disease in Children with Functional Constipation: A School-Based Multicity Study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether children in the community with functional constipation have increased prevalence of celiac disease. STUDY DESIGN: Between April 4, 2015, and April 25, 2017, we enrolled 1809 children from 5 schools in Colombia and screened them for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), including functional constipation, using questionnaires recommended in the Rome III/IV criteria. We matched children with functional constipation with healthy controls without a FGID and tested them for celiac disease with tissue transglutaminase (tTG)-Immunoglobulin A (IgA) and total IgA screening. In those who tested positive for tTG-IgA, we performed HLA genotyping and endoscopy to obtain 4 duodenal biopsy specimens for classification of celiac disease using the Marsh criteria. Analysis of statistical significance between groups of children with and without functional constipation was done using a 2-tailed Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Patients diagnosed with functional constipation (n = 203) were matched with 419 healthy controls without FGIDs. The overall prevalence of celiac disease in the entire cohort was 0.6%. Of those with functional constipation, 1 (0.5%) was diagnosed with celiac disease, and 3 (0.7%) of the control patients without FGIDs had celiac disease (P = .743). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of celiac disease in our cohort was similar to worldwide estimates. The prevalence of celiac disease in schoolchildren with functional constipation in Colombia is similar to those without FGIDs. Thus, routine testing of schoolchildren with functional constipation for celiac disease is not indicated.

The impact of incorporating toilet-training status in the pediatric Rome IV criteria for functional constipation in infant and toddlers.

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of functional constipation (FC) is based on the Rome criteria. The last edition of the criteria (Rome IV) for infants and toddlers modified the criteria to differentiate toilet-trained (TT) and non-toilet-trained (NTT) children. These changes have not been validated. We aimed to understand the impact of adding toilet training to the diagnostic criteria and to assess the prevalence of FC. METHODS: Parents of infants and toddlers from six outpatient clinics (four public, two private) located in three geographically dispersed cities in Colombia completed validated questionnaires to diagnose functional gastrointestinal disorders according to Spanish version of Rome IV criteria (QPGS-IV). RESULTS: A total of 1334 children (24.4 months ±15.0) participated: 482 (36%) TT and 852 (64%) NTT. The prevalence of FC was 21.1%. The prevalence increased with age, 0-1 years 7.7%; 2 years 18.2%; 3 years 23.7%; and 4 years 37.2%. TT vs NTT for FC 41.9% vs 9.3%, respectively (OR 7.06, 95% CI 5.26-9.47, P < .0001). TT more likely to report ≥ 3 criteria (OR = 2.43, 95% CI 1.41-4.21, P = .0015). 18.3% of TT had episodes of fecal incontinence that met the frequency required by Rome for FC (≤1 episode/week). However, 87.1% had fecal incontinence less often. 7.4% of them characterized as large quantity. CONCLUSION: We found no changes in the prevalence of FC using the Rome IV criteria vs Rome III. TT children are more likely to have FC. Study suggests that changes in Rome IV criteria were potentially clinically relevant and to have adequate face validity. Future studies should confirm our findings.