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Rexwinkel R, de Bruijn CMA, Gordon M, Benninga MA, Tabbers MM. Pharmacologic Treatment in Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders in Children: A Systematic Review. Pediatrics 2021; 147:peds.2020-042101. [PMID: 34045320 DOI: 10.1542/peds.2020-042101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Functional abdominal pain disorders (FAPDs) are common in childhood, impacting quality of life and school attendance. There are several compounds available for the treatment of pediatric FAPDs, but their efficacy and safety are unclear because of a lack of head-to-head randomized controlled trials (RCTs). OBJECTIVE To systematically review the efficacy and safety of the pharmacologic treatments available for pediatric FAPDs. DATA SOURCES Electronic databases were searched from inception to February 2021. STUDY SELECTION RCTs or systematic reviews were included if the researchers investigated a study population of children (4-18 years) in whom FAPDs were treated with pharmacologic interventions and compared with placebo, no treatment, or any other agent. DATA EXTRACTION Two reviewers independently performed data extraction and assessed their quality. Any interresearcher disagreements in the assessments were resolved by a third investigator. RESULTS Seventeen articles representing 1197 children with an FAPD were included. Trials investigating antispasmodics, antidepressants, antibiotics, antihistaminic, antiemetic, histamine-2-receptor antagonist, 5-HT4-receptor agonist, melatonin, and buspirone were included. No studies were found on treatment with laxatives, antidiarrheals, analgesics, antimigraines, and serotonergics. LIMITATIONS The overall quality of evidence on the basis of the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations system was very low to low. CONCLUSIONS On the basis of current evidence, it is not possible to recommend any specific pharmacologic agent for the treatment of pediatric FAPDs. However, agents such as antispasmodics or antidepressants can be discussed in daily practice because of their favorable treatment outcomes and the lack of important side effects. High-quality RCTs are necessary to provide adequate pharmacologic treatment. For future intervention trials, we recommend using homogenous outcome measures and instruments, a large sample size, and long-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robyn Rexwinkel
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; .,Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Academic Medical Center and Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and.,Contributed equally as co-first authors
| | - Clara M A de Bruijn
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Academic Medical Center and Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Amsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology Metabolism Research Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; and.,Contributed equally as co-first authors
| | - Morris Gordon
- School of Medicine, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| | - Marc A Benninga
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Merit M Tabbers
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Martin AE, Newlove‐Delgado TV, Abbott RA, Bethel A, Thompson‐Coon J, Whear R, Logan S. Pharmacological interventions for recurrent abdominal pain in childhood. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2017; 3:CD010973. [PMID: 28262913 PMCID: PMC6464549 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd010973.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 4% and 25% of school-aged children at some stage complain of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) of sufficient severity to interfere with their daily lives. When no clear organic cause is found, the children are managed with reassurance and simple measures; a large range of pharmacological interventions have been recommended for use in these children. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of pharmacological interventions for RAP in children of school age. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and eight other electronic databases up to June 2016. We also searched two trials registers and contacted researchers of published studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised controlled trials involving children aged five to 18 years old with RAP or an abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorder, as defined by the Rome III criteria (Rasquin 2006). The interventions were any pharmacological intervention compared to placebo, no treatment, waiting list, or standard care. The primary outcome measures were pain intensity, pain duration or pain frequency, and improvement in pain. The secondary outcome measures were school performance, social or psychological functioning, and quality of daily life. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently screened titles, abstracts, and potentially relevant full-text reports for eligible studies. Two review authors extracted data and performed a 'Risk of bias' assessment. We used the GRADE approach to rate the overall quality of the evidence. We deemed a meta-analysis to be not appropriate as the studies were significantly heterogeneous. We have consequently provided a narrative summary of the results. MAIN RESULTS This review included 16 studies with a total of 1024 participants aged between five and 18 years, all of whom were recruited from paediatric outpatient clinics. Studies were conducted in seven countries: seven in the USA, four in Iran, and one each in the UK, Switzerland, Turkey, Sri Lanka, and India. Follow-up ranged from two weeks to four months. The studies examined the following interventions to treat RAP: tricyclic antidepressants, antibiotics, 5-HT4 receptor agonists, antispasmodics, antihistamines, H2 receptor antagonists, serotonin antagonists, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, a dopamine receptor antagonist, and a hormone. Although some single studies reported that treatments were effective, all of these studies were either small or had key methodological weaknesses with a substantial risk of bias. None of these 'positive' results have been reproduced in subsequent studies. We judged the evidence of effectiveness to be of low quality. No adverse effects were reported in these studies. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is currently no convincing evidence to support the use of drugs to treat RAP in children. Well-conducted clinical trials are needed to evaluate any possible benefits and risks of pharmacological interventions. In practice, if a clinician chooses to use a drug as a 'therapeutic trial', they and the patient need to be aware that RAP is a fluctuating condition and any 'response' may reflect the natural history of the condition or a placebo effect, rather than drug efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice E Martin
- Royal Devon and Exeter HospitalPaediatricsBarrack RoadExeterEnglandUKEX2 5DW
| | - Tamsin V Newlove‐Delgado
- University of Exeter Medical SchoolNIHR CLAHRC South West Peninsula (PenCLAHRC)St Luke's CampusExeterEnglandUKEX1 2LU
| | - Rebecca A Abbott
- University of Exeter Medical SchoolNIHR CLAHRC South West Peninsula (PenCLAHRC)St Luke's CampusExeterEnglandUKEX1 2LU
| | - Alison Bethel
- University of Exeter Medical SchoolNIHR CLAHRC South West Peninsula (PenCLAHRC)St Luke's CampusExeterEnglandUKEX1 2LU
| | - Joanna Thompson‐Coon
- University of Exeter Medical SchoolNIHR CLAHRC South West Peninsula (PenCLAHRC)St Luke's CampusExeterEnglandUKEX1 2LU
| | - Rebecca Whear
- University of Exeter Medical SchoolNIHR CLAHRC South West Peninsula (PenCLAHRC)St Luke's CampusExeterEnglandUKEX1 2LU
| | - Stuart Logan
- University of Exeter Medical SchoolNIHR CLAHRC South West Peninsula (PenCLAHRC)St Luke's CampusExeterEnglandUKEX1 2LU
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Huertas-Ceballos AA, Logan S, Bennett C, Macarthur C, Martin AE. WITHDRAWN: Dietary interventions for recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in childhood. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014:CD003019. [PMID: 24535946 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003019.pub4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angela A Huertas-Ceballos
- Neonatal Unit, Women's Health, UCLH, Neonatal office 2nd floor North, 250 Euston Road, London, UK, NW1 2PG
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Huertas‐Ceballos AA, Logan S, Bennett C, Macarthur C, Martin AE. WITHDRAWN: Pharmacological interventions for recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in childhood. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2014; 2014:CD003017. [PMID: 24532249 PMCID: PMC10687501 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003017.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This Review is being updated and replaced following the publication of a new Protocol (Martin AE, Newlove‐Delgado TV, Abbott RA, Bethel A, Thompson‐Coon J, Nikolaou v, Logan S. Pharmacological interventions for recurrent abdominal pain in childhood (Protocol). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 2. Art. No.: CD010973. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010973). It will remain withdrawn when the new Review is published. The editorial group responsible for this previously published document have withdrawn it from publication.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stuart Logan
- University of ExeterPeninsula CLAHRC, University of Exeter Medical SchoolVeysey BuildingSalmon Pool LaneExeterUKEX2 4SG
| | - Cathy Bennett
- Plymouth University Peninsula Schools of Medicine and DentistryThe John Bull Building, Tamar Science Park, Research WayPlymouthUKPL6 8BU
| | - Colin Macarthur
- The Hospital for Sick ChildrenClinical Health Evaluative Sciences555 University AvenueTorontoOntarioCanadaM5G 1X8
| | - Alice E Martin
- Royal Devon and Exeter HospitalPaediatricsBarrack RoadExeterEnglandUKEX2 5DW
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Huertas-Ceballos AA, Logan S, Bennett C, Macarthur C. Dietary interventions for recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in childhood. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2009:CD003019. [PMID: 19160214 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003019.pub3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 4% and 25% of school-age children complain of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) of sufficient severity to interfere with daily activities. It is unclear whether the diagnosis includes children with different aetiologies for their pain. For the majority no organic cause for their pain can be found on physical examination or investigation. Although most children are likely managed by reassurance and simple measures, a large range of interventions have been recommended. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of dietary interventions for recurrent abdominal pain in school-age children. SEARCH STRATEGY The Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) 2006 (Issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to Dec 2006), EMBASE (1980 to Dec 2006), CINAHL (1982 to Dec 2007), ERIC (1966 to Dec 2006), PsycINFO (1872 to Dec 2006), LILACS (1982 to Dec 2006), SIGLE (1980 to March 2005), and JICST (1985 to 06/2000) were searched . Where appropriate, search filters were employed. Researchers working in this area were asked to identify relevant studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised or quasi-randomised studies of any dietary treatment versus placebo or no treatment in school-age children with a diagnosis of RAP or functional gastrointestinal disorder based on the Rome II criteria. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, assessed quality and extracted data. Where appropriate studies were pooled using a random effects meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS Seven trials were included in this review. Two trials, including 83 participants, compared fibre supplements with placebo (Christensen 1982, Feldman 1985), with data from one study reported in two papers (Christensen 1982, Christensen 1986). The pooled odds ratio for improvement in the frequency of abdominal pain was 1.26 (0.25, 6.29). Two trials, including 90 participants (Lebenthal 1981, Dearlove 1983) compared lactose-containing with lactose-free diets. Neither reported data in a form which could be used in the meta-analysis and the former trial had a loss to follow-up of 45%. We were not able to obtain further data for either trial. Three trials (Bausserman 2005, Gavronska 2007, Young 1997) comparing supplementation with Lactobacillus with placebo met the inclusion criteria but only two (Bausserman 2005, Gavronska 2007), including a total of 168 children, provided analysable data. The pooled odds ratio for improvement of symptoms was 1.17 (95% CI 0.62, 2.21). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is a lack of high quality evidence on the effectiveness of dietary interventions. This review provides no evidence that fibre supplements, lactose free diets or lactobacillus supplementation are effective in the management of children with RAP.
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Huertas-Ceballos A, Logan S, Bennett C, Macarthur C. Pharmacological interventions for recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in childhood. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008:CD003017. [PMID: 18254013 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003017.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 4% and 25% of school-age children complain of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) of sufficient severity to interfere with daily activities. For the majority no organic cause for their pain can be found on physical examination or investigation and although most children are likely managed by reassurance and simple measures, a large range of interventions have been recommended. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of medication for recurrent abdominal pain in school-age children. SEARCH STRATEGY The Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) 2006 (Issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to Dec 2006), EMBASE (1980 to Dec 2006), CINAHL (1982 to Dec 2007), ERIC (1966 to Dec 2006), PsycINFO (1872 to Dec 2006), LILACS (1982 to Dec 2006), SIGLE (1980 to March 2005), and JICST (1985 to 06/2000) were searched with appropriate filters SELECTION CRITERIA Studies on school age children with RAP (Apley or the Rome II criteria for gastrointestinal diseases) allocated by random or quasi-random methods to a drug treatment vs. placebo/ no treatment were included. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS References identified by the searches were screened against the inclusion criteria by two independent reviewers. Data was extracted and analysed using RevMan 4.2.10. MAIN RESULTS Three trials met the inclusion criteria. Symon et al report a cross-over trial comparing pizotifen and placebo in 16 children with "abdominal migraine". Data before cross-over was not available. Results for 14 children showed Mean fewer days in pain of 8.21 (95% CI 2.93, 13.48) while taking the active drug. Kline et al compared peppermint oil capsules with placebo in a randomised trial in 50 children with RAP and IBS. 42 children completed the study. OR for improvement was 3.33 (95% CI 0.93-12.1)See et al compared famotidine with placebo in a randomised cross-over trial in 25 children with RAP and dyspepsia. OR for improvement before cross-over was 11 (95%CI 1.6, 75.5). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS This review provides weak evidence of benefit on medication in children with RAP. The lack of clear evidence of effectiveness for any of the recommended drugs suggests that there is little reason for their use outside of clinical trials. Clinicians may choose to prescribe drugs in children with severe symptoms that have not responded to simple management. However, if using drugs as a "therapeutic trial", clinicians should be aware that, RAP is a fluctuating condition and any "response" may reflect the natural history of the condition or a placebo effect rather than drug efficacy.
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Huertas-Ceballos A, Logan S, Bennett C, Macarthur C. Dietary interventions for recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in childhood. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2008:CD003019. [PMID: 18254014 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003019.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 4% and 25% of school-age children complain of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) of sufficient severity to interfere with daily activities. It is unclear whether the diagnosis includes children with different aetiologies for their pain. For the majority no organic cause for their pain can be found on physical examination or investigation. Although most children are likely managed by reassurance and simple measures, a large range of interventions have been recommended. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of dietary interventions for recurrent abdominal pain in school-age children. SEARCH STRATEGY The Cochrane Library (CENTRAL) 2006 (Issue 4), MEDLINE (1966 to Dec 2006), EMBASE (1980 to Dec 2006), CINAHL (1982 to Dec 2007), ERIC (1966 to Dec 2006), PsycINFO (1872 to Dec 2006), LILACS (1982 to Dec 2006), SIGLE (1980 to March 2005), and JICST (1985 to 06/2000) were searched . Where appropriate, search filters were employed. In addition, researchers working in this area were asked to identify relevant studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Randomised or quasi-randomised studies of any dietary treatment versus placebo or no treatment in school-age children with a diagnosis of RAP or functional gastrointestinal disorder based on the Rome II criteria. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two authors independently assessed trials for inclusion, assessed quality and extracted data. Where appropriate studies were pooled using a random effects meta-analysis. MAIN RESULTS Seven trials were included in this review. Two trials, including 83 participants, compared fibre supplements with placebo (Christensen 1982, Feldman 1985), with data from one study reported in two papers (Christensen 1982, Christensen 1986). The pooled odds ratio for improvement in the frequency of abdominal pain was 1.16 (95% CI 0.45-2.87). Two trials, including 90 participants (Lebenthal 1981, Dearlove 1983) compared lactose-containing with lactose-free diets. Neither reported data in a form which could be used in the meta-analysis and the former trial had a loss to follow-up of 45%. We were not able to obtain further data for either trial. Three trials (Bausserman 2005, Gavronska 2007, Young 1997) comparing supplementation with Lactobacillus with placebo met the inclusion criteria but only two (Bausserman 2005, Gavronska 2007), including a total of 168 children, provided analysable data. The pooled odds ratio for improvement of symptoms was 1.17 (95% CI 0.62, 2.21). AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is a lack of high quality evidence on the effectiveness of dietary interventions. This review provides no evidence that fibre supplements, lactose free diets or lactobacillus supplementation are effective in the management of children with RAP.
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Huertas-Ceballos A, Macarthur C, Logan S. Pharmacological interventions for recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in childhood. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002:CD003017. [PMID: 11869650 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd003017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Between 4% and 25% of school age children complain of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) of sufficient severity to interfere with daily activities. For the majority of such children no organic cause for their pain can be found on physical examination or investigation. Although most children are likely managed by reassurance and simple measures, a large range of interventions has been recommended. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of medication for recurrent abdominal pain in school-age children. SEARCH STRATEGY The Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, ERIC, PsycLIT, LILACS and JICST were searched using a strategy combining (Recurrent OR synonyms) AND (Abdomen OR synonyms) AND (Pain OR synonyms). Where appropriate search filters were employed. In addition, researchers working in this area were asked to identify relevant studies. SELECTION CRITERIA Any study in which the majority of participants were school age children fulfilling standard criteria for RAP, and who were allocated by random or quasi-random methods to any drug treatment compared with a placebo or no treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS References identified by the searches were screened against the inclusion criteria by two independent reviewers. MAIN RESULTS Only one trial met the inclusion criteria. This cross-over trial in 14 children who met suggested criteria for "abdominal migraine" compared pizotifen and placebo, each given for one month with no washout period. Participants reported a mean of 8.21 (95% CI 2.93, 13.48) fewer days of pain while taking the active drug. They also reported that the mean difference on an "Index of Severity" was -16.21 (95% CI -26.51, -5.90) and on an "Index of Misery" was -56.07 (95% CI -94.07, -18.07). REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS There is little evidence to suggest that recommended drugs are effective in the management of RAP. At present there seems little justification for the use of these drugs other than in clinical trials. There is an urgent need for trials of all suggested pharmacologic interventions in children with RAP.
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