Irritable bowel syndrome in children: Current knowledge, challenges and opportunities

The relationship between mucosal inflammatory cells, specific symptoms, and psychological functioning in youth with irritable bowel syndrome

Both mucosal inflammation and psychologic dysfunction have been implicated in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). While some relationships between inflammation (mast cells and eosinophils) and depression have been reported in adults with IBS, relationships between inflammation and psychologic function have not been studied in children and adolescents. The aims of the current study were to: (1) assess densities of colonic mast cells, eosinophils, and TH17 cells in youth with IBS; and, (2) explore relationships between these cells and specific IBS symptoms and psychologic functioning. Utilizing previously obtained biopsies from the descending and rectosigmoid colons, densities were determined for mast cells, eosinophils, and TH17 cells, respectively, in 37 youth with IBS and 10 controls. In IBS patients, densities were assessed in relation to specific IBS symptoms and in relation to self-report anxiety and depression scores. In both the descending and rectosigmoid colons, densities of mast cells, eosinophils, and TH17 cells were higher in IBS patients as compared to controls. In IBS patients, rectosigmoid mast cell density was higher in those reporting pain relief with defecation. Also, in IBS patients, rectosigmoid eosinophilia was associated with higher anxiety scores and eosinophil density correlated with depression scores. In the descending colon, eosinophil and mast cell densities both correlated with depression scores. In conclusion, mucosal inflammation (mast cells and eosinophils) is associated with pain relief with defecation and with anxiety and depression in youth with IBS.

Literature Review: Dietary Intervention Adherence and Adherence Barriers in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorder Studies

Dietary management is key in controlling functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) symptoms. However, the degree to which patients with FGIDs in clinical studies adhere to dietary recommendations is unknown. Our aim was to evaluate adherence, dietary education, and adherence-related factors in FGIDs dietary intervention trials. A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Google Scholar, and SCOPUS for clinical trials evaluating dietary management of FGIDs. Full manuscripts published from January 2000 through August 2018 were reviewed. Data including definitions of adherence and rates, study design, dietary education, use of a dietitian, provision of study foods, potential adherence barriers, and dropouts were captured. A total of 21 publications were included. Fifteen (67%) focused on the low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet, 5 (24%) on fiber supplementation, and 1 (9%) on a low carbohydrate diet. Fifteen (71%) were randomized controlled trials. Meals/supplements were provided to the study participants in 27%, 80%, and 100%, of the low FODMAP, fiber, and low carbohydrate studies, respectively, which appeared to significantly enhance adherence (P<0.03). Eighteen studies (81%) provided either written or oral diet information to study participants. Overall, only 10 publications (48%) provided adherence data. Nine (60%) of the low FODMAP studies provided adherence data (range, 30% to 100%); ranges could not be calculated for the other dietary trials. The most common method to measure adherence was via food diaries. Therefore, adherence is not often measured in FGIDs dietary intervention clinical trials; when reported, rates of adherence range widely. Studies providing food had the highest adherence rates.

Ileocolonic Lymphonodular Hyperplasia in Children Related to Etiologies Ranging from Food Hypersensitivity to Familial Mediterranean Fever

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to share our observations on the demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes of lymphonodular hyperplasia (LNH) in children.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The study included children on whom colonoscopy was performed between January 2015 and May 2018 (n = 361). Demographics, treatment modalities, and outcomes of the patients with LNH were recorded.

RESULTS

LNH was found in 66 patients (18.3%; mean age 8.6 ± 5.96 years, 59.1% male). We found that the etiologic factors were food hypersensitivity (FH) in 25 (37.8%), nonspecific colitis in 12 (18.2%), irritable bowel syndrome in 10 (15.2%), familial Mediter-ranean fever in 7 (10.6%), primary immunodeficiency in 4 (6.1%), and intestinal dysmotility, oxyuriasis, Crohn's disease, and giardiasis in 1 (1.5%) patient. Additionally, in the genetic analysis of patients with idiopathic LNH (n = 4), we detected heterozygote MEFV mutations in all. Cow's milk and egg (25%) were the most common allergens in patients with FH. Symptoms of all patients (n = 25) improved after an elimination diet.

CONCLUSIONS

LNH is a common finding in pediatric colonoscopies with a variety of etiologies ranging from FH and familial Mediterranean fever to immunodeficiency.

Low fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols diet in children

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a lifelong condition with a high prevalence among children and adults. As the diet is a frequent factor that triggers the symptoms, it has been assumed that by avoiding the consumption of fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols (FODMAP), the symptoms might be improved. Therefore, in the past decade, low FODMAP diet has been intensively investigated in the management of IBS. The capacity of FODMAPs to trigger the symptoms in patients with IBS was related to the stimulation of mechanoreceptors in the small and large intestine. This stimulation appears as a response to a combination of increased luminal water (the osmotic effect) and the release of gases (carbon dioxide and hydrogen) due to the fermentation of oligosaccharides and malabsorption of fructose, lactose and polyols. Numerous studies have been published regarding the efficacy of a low FODMAP diet compared to a traditional diet in releasing the IBS symptoms in adults, but there are only a few studies in the juvenile population. The aim of this review is to analyze the current data on both low FODMAP diet in children with IBS and the effects on their nutritional status and physiological development, given the fact that it is a restrictive diet.

Utility of Diagnostic Tests in Children With Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) are common in pediatric patients. The prevalence of FGIDs using the Rome IV criteria ranges from 21.1% to 25.0% in children. The Rome IV criteria specify that the decision of testing is left to the clinician, giving him or her freedom to decide on the necessary workup. The clinician should consider all of the functional and organic diseases that manifest with chronic abdominal pain, as well as alarm features that should prompt testing. Societal guidelines and reports do not recommend routine evaluations for FAPDs, particularly in the absence of alarm features. Studies have reported variable results upon assessing the diagnostic yields of different tests. Furthermore, these evaluations considerably increase costs for the health care system. This article examines the current evidence on the utility of diagnostic testing in pediatric patients with FAPDs.

Association of the Vitamin D Level and Quality of School Life in Adolescents with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

There is no treatment of choice for irritable bowel syndrome, which affects up to 20% of school-aged children. This cross-sectional study evaluated the difference in the average vitamin D level between subtypes of irritable bowel syndrome, and the relationship between the vitamin D level as well as the severity of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. We included 124 adolescents aged 10–17 years (68 boys, 56 girls; mean age 12.29 ± 1.92 years) from 2014 to 2016. Patients with irritable bowel syndrome were diagnosed by Rome III criteria and classified by clinical manifestation: irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (n = 29), irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea (n = 63), and irritable bowel syndrome with constipation and diarrhea (n = 32). The severity of irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and school absence were evaluated. Vitamin D levels were measured by serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D. The chi-square test and analysis of variance were used. The patients’ average vitamin D level was 16.25 ± 6.58 ng/mL. There was a significant negative association of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D level with symptom severity and school absence (p = 0.022 and p < 0.001, respectively). Vitamin D supplementation could be considered as a choice of therapeutic method.

The Role of Fiber in the Treatment of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children

We reviewed the available evidence on the role of fiber in the treatment of Functional Constipation (FC) and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in children. The vast majority of toddlers and preschoolers do not consume enough fiber. Two of the most common reasons for consultation to a pediatric gastroenterology practice include FC and IBS. The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) guidelines state that the evidence does not support the use of fiber supplements in the treatment of FC in children, and the Rome IV criteria do not recommend an increase in fiber consumption, in children with IBS. Despite this, in general practice, it is commonly recommended that children who experience constipation and IBS to increase their fiber intake. We conducted a systematic review of the available evidence on the role of fiber in the treatment of FC and IBS in children. Thirteen full-text articles with a total of seven hundred and twenty-three pediatric participants were included in this review. Three clinical trials found positive effects of dietary fiber for the management of IBS. Nine out of ten trials found fiber to be either more effective than placebo, or just as effective as laxative treatment. Most studies on the use of fiber for the treatment of FC and IBS have shown its benefit. However, due to the heterogeneity in study design, length of treatment, outcome measures, and amount and type of fiber, we were unable to make a definitive recommendation supporting the use of fiber for the treatment of FC and IBS in children.