Rome Ⅲ:The functional gastrointestinal disorders, third edition, 2006

Functional gastrointestinal disorders （FGIDs） represent a common and important class of disorders within gastroenterology. Rome Ⅰ, the first edition was published in 1994, with symptom-based diagnostic criteria for FGIDs. These criteria began to change the diagnostic approach to F-GIDs, and no longer considered ＂diagnoses of exclusion＂ but rather ＂diagnoses of inclusion＂. Rome Ⅱ, the second edition published in 2000, resulted from the continual process of analyzing new scientific and clinical evidence in the study of F-GIDs. Rome Ⅱ, diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome （IBS）, was extended with a focus on the frequency of symptoms occurring twelve weeks （not necessarily consecutive weeks） within twelve months. ROlE Ⅲ, the third edition, conservative one, was published in September 2006, with changes made only where there is good evidence to do so. Some of the differences between Rome Ⅱ and Rome Ⅲ criteria are highlighted in this issue.

Epidemiology of functional gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents: A systematic review

To assess the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in children and adolescents.METHODSPubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus databases were searched for original articles from inception to September 2016. The literature search was made in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) recommendations. For inclusion, each study had to report epidemiological data on FGIDs in children between 4 and 18 years old and contain standardized outcome based on Rome II, III or IV criteria. The overall quality of included epidemiological studies was evaluated in accordance with Loney’s proposal for prevalence studies of health literature. Two reviewers assessed each study for data inclusion and extraction. Discrepancies were reconciled through discussion with seniors.RESULTSA total of 659 articles were identified from the databases and 16 through manual search. A total of 43 articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria for full-text reading, with 26 remaining to be included in the final analysis. All studies were written in English and published between 2005 and 2016. Eight (30.8%) articles were performed in North America, five (19.2%) in Latin America, five (19.2%) in Europe, seven (27%) in Asia, and one (3.8%) in Africa. Sample size varied between 114 and 99416 subjects, totaling 132600 individuals. Fourteen (53.9%) studies recruited their target samples from schools, 11 (42.3%) from healthcare settings and the remaining one (3.8%) from online panel community. The overall FGID prevalence rates for student samples ranged from 9.9% to 29% to as high as 87% in clinical samples. Cyclic vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome and functional constipation were the most researched conditions, with a prevalence ranging from 0.2% to 6.2%, 0% to 45.1% and 0.5% to 86.9%, respectively. The qualitative appraisal revealed that most of the studies showed average or below average generalizability.CONCLUSIONThe heterogeneity of the studies on FGIDs must be improved in order to allow comparison. Improvements should include appropriate sampling of representative population, comparable study setting, and consistent data collection.

Role of baicalin as a potential therapeutic agent in hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal disorders:A review

Baicalin is a natural bioactive compound derived from Scutellaria baicalensis,which is extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine.A literature survey demonstrated the broad spectrum of health benefits of baicalin such as antioxidant,anticancer,anti-inflammatory,antimicrobial,cardio-protective,hepatoprotective,renal protective,and neuroprotective properties.Baicalin is hydrolyzed to its metabolite baicalein by the action of gut microbiota,which is further reconverted to baicalin via phase 2 metabolism in the liver.Many studies have suggested that baicalin exhibits therapeutic potential against several types of hepatic disorders including hepatic fibrosis,xenobiotic-induced liver injury,fatty liver disease,viral hepatitis,cholestasis,ulcerative colitis,hepatocellular and colorectal cancer.During in vitro and in vivo examinations,it has been observed that baicalin showed a protective role against liver and gut-associated abnormalities by modifying several signaling pathways such as nuclear factor-kappa B,transforming growth factor beta 1/SMAD3,sirtuin 1,p38/mitogen-activated protein kinase/Janus kinase,and calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinaseβ/adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase/acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase pathways.Furthermore,baicalin also regulates the expression of fibrotic genes such as smooth muscle actin,connective tissue growth factor,β-catenin,and inflammatory cytokines such as interferon gamma,interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-alpha,and IL-1β,and attenuates the production of apoptotic proteins such as caspase-3,caspase-9 and B-cell lymphoma 2.However,due to its low solubility and poor bioavailability,widespread therapeutic applications of baicalin still remain a challenge.This review summarized the hepatic and gastrointestinal protective attributes of baicalin with an emphasis on the molecular mechanisms that regulate the interaction of baicalin with the gut microbiota.

Prevalence and dietetic management of mild gastrointestinal disorders in milk-fed infants

AIM: To assess the prevalence of mild gastrointestinal disorders in milk-fed infants in paediatric practice, and to evaluate the effectiveness and satisfaction with dietetic treatment.METHODS: A cross-sectional epidemiological study was first carried out. A total of 285 paediatricians included 3487 children seen during a period of one week. In a second phase an observational, prospective and multicentre study was conducted and 2069 milk-fed infants with mild gastrointestinal disorders (colic, constipation, regurgitation and diarrhoea) were included. There was a baseline visit (start of treatment) and a final visit four weeks later. The effectiveness of the various Novalac formulas, as well as the satisfaction of the parents/tutors and paediatricians with the dietetic treatment were assessed at the final visit.RESULTS: The prevalence of mild gastrointestinal disorders was 27.8% of all paediatrician consultations (9.2%, 7.8%, 6.1% and 4.6% in relation to colic, constipation, regurgitation and diarrhoea, respectively). The several Novalac adapted milk formulas resolved 88.4% of the mild gastrointestinal disorders. Depending on the type of disorder, differences in response rate were observed. The highest effectiveness was recorded with respect to diarrhoea (92.6%), followed by constipation (91.6%), colic (87.6%) and regurgitation (81%). Overall, 91% of the paediatricians and 88.8% of the parents/tutors were satisfied or very satisfied with the Novalac adapted milk formulas.CONCLUSION: Mild gastrointestinal disorders show a high prevalence in paediatric practice. The Novalac adapted milk formulas have been shown to be effective in treating mild gastrointestinal disorders in milk-fed infants in the context of routine clinical practice.

Stress and sleep quality in doctors working on-call shifts are associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders

To investigate the role of sleep quality and psychosocial problems as predictors of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in doctors that work 24 hour-on-call shifts.METHODSIn this cross-sectional observation study, using the Rome III Questionnaire and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), we analyzed 170 doctors with 24 hour-on-call shifts.RESULTSAmong the participants that had experienced a 24 hour-on-call shift within the last 6 mo, 48 (28.2%) had FGIDs. Overall prevalence of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD) were 16.5% and 17.1%, respectively, with 5.3% exhibiting both. Sleep scores (PSQI) (8.79 ± 2.71 vs 7.30 ± 3.43, P = 0.008), the presence of serious psychosocial alarm (83.3% vs 56.6%, P = 0.004), and the proportion of doctors who experienced over two months of recent on-call work (81.2% vs 68.9%, P = 0.044) were significantly different between individuals with or without FGIDs. Multivariate analysis revealed that presenting serious psychosocial alarm was an independent risk factor for prevalence of FD (OR = 5.47, 95%CI: 1.06-28.15, P = 0.042) and poor sleep quality (PSQI ≥ 6) was a predictor of IBS (OR = 4.17, 95%CI: 1.92-19.02, P = 0.016).CONCLUSIONPhysicians should recognize the role of sleep impairment and psychological stress in the development of FGIDs and a comprehensive approach should be considered to manage patients with FGIDs.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders in inflammatory bowel disease: Time for a paradigm shift?

Recent advances in biological therapies have revolutionalised and redefined treatment targets in inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).There is now a stronger emphasis on achieving the more stringent therapeutic goals of mucosal and histological healing,rather than clinical remission alone.Consequently,the treatment of refractory“functional”gastrointestinal symptoms,often attributed as the aftermath of previous inflammation,has recently become more prominent in quiescent disease.With further expected advances in anti-inflammatory treatments on the horizon,the burden of such symptoms in quiescent disease,which have been relatively neglected,is set to become an even bigger problem.In this article,we highlight the current state of research and understanding in this field,including recent developments and clinical practice guidelines on the diagnosis and management of functional gastrointestinal symptoms,such as irritable bowel syndrome and functional anorectal and pelvic floor disorders,in patients with quiescent IBD.These disorders are not only highly prevalent in these patients,they are often misdiagnosed,and are difficult to treat,with very few evidence-based therapies.Moreover,they are associated with substantial impairment in quality-of-life,considerable morbidity,and psychological distress.There is therefore an urgent need for a change in emphasis towards earlier recognition,positive diagnosis,and targeted treatment for patients with ongoing functional gastrointestinal symptoms in the absence of active IBD.This article also highlights the need for further research to develop much needed evidence-based therapies.

Cow’s milk-induced gastrointestinal disorders:From infancy to adulthood

Milk is related to many gastrointestinal disorders from the cradle to the grave due to the many milk ingredients that can trigger gastrointestinal discomfort and disorders.Cow’s milk protein allergy(CMPA)is the most common food allergy,especially in infancy and childhood,which may persist into adulthood.There are three main types of CMPA;immunoglobulin E(IgE)-mediated CMPA,non-IgEmediated CMPA,and mixed type.CMPA appears before the first birthday in almost all cases.Symptoms may start even during the neonatal period and can be severe enough to simulate neonatal sepsis.CMPA(often non-IgE mediated)can present with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux,eosinophilic esophagitis,hemorrhagic gastritis,food protein-induced protein-losing enteropathy,and food protein-induced enterocolitis syndrome.Most CMPAs are benign and outgrown during childhood.CMPA is not as common in adults as in children,but when present,it is usually severe with a protracted course.Lactose intolerance is a prevalent condition characterized by the development of many symptoms related to the consumption of foods containing lactose.Lactose intolerance has four typical types:Developmental,congenital,primary,and secondary.Lactose intolerance and CMPA may be the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms for many functional gastrointestinal disorders in children and adults.They are also common in inflammatory bowel diseases.Milk consumption may have preventive or promoter effects on cancer development.Milk may also become a source of microbial infection in humans,causing a wide array of diseases,and may help increase the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance.This editorial summarizes the common milk-related disorders and their symptoms from childhood to adulthood.

Gastrointestinal disorders in children with autism:Could artificial intelligence help?

Autism is one of the pervasive neurodevelopmental disorders usually associated with many medical comorbidities.Gastrointestinal(GI)disorders are pervasive in children,with a 46%-84%prevalence rate.Children with Autism have an increased frequency of diarrhea,nausea and/or vomiting,gastroesophageal reflux and/or disease,abdominal pain,chronic flatulence due to various factors as food allergies,gastrointestinal dysmotility,irritable bowel syndrome(IBS),and inflammatory bowel diseases(IBD).These GI disorders have a significant negative impact on both the child and his/her family.Artificial intelligence(AI)could help diagnose and manage Autism by improving children's communication,social,and emotional skills for a long time.AI is an effective method to enhance early detection of GI disorders,including GI bleeding,gastroesophageal reflux disease,Coeliac disease,food allergies,IBS,IBD,and rectal polyps.AI can also help personalize the diet for children with Autism by microbiome modification.It can help to provide modified gluten without initiating an immune response.However,AI has many obstacles in treating digestive diseases,especially in children with Autism.We need to do more studies and adopt specific algorithms for children with Autism.In this article,we will highlight the role of AI in helping children with gastrointestinal disorders,with particular emphasis on children with Autism.

Electrocardiograms changes in children with functional gastrointestinal disorders on low dose amitriptyline

AIM: To study the effects of low dose amitriptyline on cardiac conduction in children.

Prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in children with celiac disease on different types of gluten-free diets

BACKGROUND Functional gastrointestinal disorders(FGIDs)are common during the pediatric age.FGIDs are not related to biochemical or structural abnormalities.However,since they have a high prevalence,several studies have evaluated an overlap between FGIDs and organic diseases.Individuals with celiac disease(CD)have been shown to be at an increased risk for functional abdominal pain,even if they adhere well to a gluten-free diet(GFD).Little information is available for the pediatric age group.The aims of our study were to evaluate the prevalence of FGIDS in CD children 1 year after diagnosis and to compare the prevalence of FGIDs in CD children on a GFD with processed foods compared with those on a GFD with natural products.AIM To assess the prevalence of FGIDs in children with CD after 1 year of follow-up and to compare the prevalence of FGIDs in children with CD on a GFD with processed foods and in children on a GFD with natural products.METHODS We recruited pediatric patients aged 1-18 years with a new CD diagnosis.Participants were randomized to two groups:Group A on a GFD with processed foods(diet 1);and group B on a GFD with natural products(diet 2).Clinical monitoring,diet assessment and the questionnaire on pediatric gastrointestinal symptoms-Rome IV version were performed at diagnosis(T0)and after 12 mo of follow-up(T1).Dietary intake was assessed using a 3-d food diary record.Data from the diaries were evaluated using WinFood nutrient analysis software.We assessed the prevalence of FGIDs at T1 and the correlation with the type of GFD.RESULTS We registered 104 CD children,with 55 patients in group A(53.0%)and 49 patients in group B(47.0%).Initially,30 of the 55(54.5%)CD children were symptomatic in group A,while 25 of 49(51.0%)were symptomatic in group B.At T1,in spite of a low or negative serology for CD,FGIDs prevalence was 10/55(18.0%)in group A and 8/49(16.3%)in group B,with no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P=0.780).At T1 the macro-and micronutrient intake was similar across the two groups with no significant differences in nutrient analysis.However,in both groups at T1 we found that a lower prevalence of FGIDs(P=0.055)was associated with an inferior caloric(odds ratio=0.99,95%confidence interval:0.99-1.00)and fat(odds ratio=0.33,95%confidence interval:0.65-0.95)intake.CONCLUSION Our results showed that CD children on a GFD have gastrointestinal symptoms with an elevated prevalence of FGIDs.Our study suggests that developing FGIDs may be linked to caloric intake and percentage of food fat,but it does not change between a GFD with processed foods or a GFD with natural products.However,long-term monitoring is required to evaluate a correlation between FGIDs and various types of GFDs.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders,mental health,genetic susceptibility,and incident chronic kidney disease

Background:Whether functional gastrointestinal disorders(FGIDs)are associated with the long-term risk of chronic kidney disease(CKD)remains unclear.We aimed to investigate the prospective association of FGIDs with CKD and examine whether mental health mediated the association.Methods:About 416,258 participants without a prior CKD diagnosis enrolled in the UK Biobank between 2006 and 2010 were included.Participants with FGIDs(including irritable bowel syndrome[IBS],dyspepsia,and other functional intestinal disorders[FIDs;mainly composed of constipation])were the exposure group,and non-FGID participants were the non-exposure group.The primary outcome was incident CKD,ascertained from hospital admission and death registry records.A Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to investigate the association between FGIDs and CKD,and the mediation analysis was performed to investigate the mediation proportions of mental health.Results:At baseline,33,156(8.0%)participants were diagnosed with FGIDs,including 21,060(5.1%),8262(2.0%),and 6437(1.6%)cases of IBS,dyspepsia,and other FIDs,respectively.During a mean follow-up period of 12.1 years,11,001(2.6%)participants developed CKD.FGIDs were significantly associated with a higher risk of incident CKD compared to the absence of FGIDs(hazard ratio[HR],1.36;95%confidence interval[CI],1.28-1.44).Similar results were observed for IBS(HR,1.27;95%CI,1.17-1.38),dyspepsia(HR,1.30;95%CI,1.17-1.44),and other FIDs(HR,1.60;95%CI,1.43-1.79).Mediation analyses suggested that the mental health score significantly mediated 9.05%of the association of FGIDs with incident CKD and 5.63-13.97%of the associations of FGID subtypes with CKD.Specifically,the positive associations of FGIDs and FGID subtypes with CKD were more pronounced in participants with a high genetic risk of CKD.Conclusion:Participants with FGIDs had a higher risk of incident CKD,which was partly explained by mental health scores and was more pronounced in those with high genetic susceptibility to CKD.

Positive health:An integrated quantitative approach in patients with chronic gastrointestinal and hepato-pancreatico-biliary disorders

BACKGROUND The concept of positive health(PH)supports an integrated approach for patients by taking into account six dimensions of health.This approach is especially relevant for patients with chronic disorders.Chronic gastrointestinal and hepatopancreatico-biliary(GI-HPB)disorders are among the top-6 of the most prevalent chronically affected organ systems.The impact of chronic GI-HPB disorders on individuals may be disproportionally high because:(1)The affected organ system frequently contributes to a malnourished state;and(2)persons with chronic GIHPB disorders are often younger than persons with chronic diseases in other organ systems.AIM To describe and quantify the dimensions of PH in patients with chronic GI-HPB disorders.METHODS Prospective,observational questionnaire study performed between 2019 and 2021 in 235 patients with a chronic GIHPB disorder attending the Outpatient Department of the Maastricht University Medical Center.Validated questionnaires and data from patient files were used to quantify the six dimensions of PH.Internal consistency was tested with McDonald’s Omega.Zero-order Pearson correlations and t-tests were used to assess associations and differences.A P value<0.05 was considered significant.RESULTS The GI-HPB patients scored significantly worse in all dimensions of PH compared to control data or norm scores from the general population.Regarding quality of life,participation and daily functioning,GI-HPB patients scored in the same range as patients with chronic disorders in other organ systems,but depressive symptoms(in 35%)and malnutrition(in 45%)were more frequent in patients with chronic GI-HPB disorders.Intercorrelation scores between the six dimensions were only very weak to weak,forcing us to quantify each domain separately.CONCLUSION All six dimensions of PH are impaired in the GI-HPB patients.Malnutrition and depressive symptoms are more prevalent compared to patients with chronic disorders in other organ systems.

Fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases:Pros and cons

BACKGROUND Fecal calprotectin is a valuable biomarker for assessing intestinal inflammation in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.However,its role,pros,and cons in various conditions must be comprehensively elucidated.AIM To explore the role of fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases,including its advantages and limitations.METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed,PubMed Central,Google Scholar,and other scientific research engines until February 24,2024.The review included 88 research articles,56 review articles,six metaanalyses,two systematic reviews,two consensus papers,and two letters to the editors.RESULTS Fecal calprotectin is a non-invasive marker for detecting intestinal inflammation and monitoring disease activity in pediatric conditions such as functional gastrointestinal disorders,inflammatory bowel disease,coeliac disease,coronavirus disease 2019-induced gastrointestinal disorders,gastroenteritis,and cystic fibrosis-associated intestinal pathology.However,its lack of specificity and susceptibility to various confounding factors pose challenges in interpretation.Despite these limitations,fecal calprotectin offers significant advantages in diagnosing,monitoring,and managing pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.CONCLUSION Fecal calprotectin holds promise as a valuable tool in pediatric gastroenterology,offering insights into disease activity,treatment response,and prognosis.Standardized protocols and guidelines are needed to optimize its clinical utility and mitigate interpretation challenges.Further research is warranted to address the identified limitations and enhance our understanding of fecal calprotectin in pediatric gastrointestinal diseases.

Thinking and Strategy on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders with Integrative Medicine

The functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are a group of diseases mainly manifested as gastrointestinal functional disorders,including 45 kinds of different diseases,such as functional dyspepsia(FD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),functional constipation

Fructose-sorbitol ingestion provokes gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with eating disorders

AIM:To evaluate gastrointestinal(GI) symptoms and breath hydrogen responses to oral fructose-sorbitol(F-S) and glucose challenges in eating disorder(ED) patients.METHODS:GI symptoms and hydrogen breath concentration were monitored in 26 female ED inpatients for 3 h,following ingestion of 50 g glucose on one day,and 25 g fructose/5 g sorbitol on the next day,after an overnight fast on each occasion.Responses to F-S were compared to those of 20 asymptomatic healthy females.RESULTS:F-S provoked GI symptoms in 15 ED patients and one healthy control(P < 0.05 ED vs control) .Only one ED patient displayed symptom provocation to glucose(P < 0.01 vs F-S response) .A greater symptom response was observed in ED patients with a body mass index(BMI) ≤ 17.5 kg/m 2 compared to those with a BMI > 17.5 kg/m 2(P < 0.01) .There were no differences in psychological scores,prevalence of functional GI disorders or breath hydrogen responses between patients with and without an F-S response.CONCLUSION:F-S,but not glucose,provokes GI symptoms in ED patients,predominantly those with low BMI.These findings are important in the dietary management of ED patients.

A Breakthrough Point in Integrative Medical Research:Challenge of Treating Overlapping Symptoms in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Functional gastrointestinal disorders(FGIDs)are common disorders that are characterized by persistent and recurring gastrointestinal symptoms.Many patients with FGIDs have overlapping symptoms,which impaired the quality of life and ability to work of patients,and left a considerable impact on health-care systems and society.Chinese medicines(CMs)are commonly utilized by many patients with FGIDs.This article discusses the current status of diagnosis and treatment of FGIDs,the advantages and characteristics of CM treatment,and how integrated medicine can make a breakthrough in FGIDs diagnosis and treatment.

Gastrointestinal motility disorders in inflammatory bowel diseases

The relationship between motility and inflammatory gastrointestinal disorders is at the same time complex and intriguing since these conditions might share some genetic, environmental, immunological and microbial predisposing factors. In addition, significant symptom overlapping may occur, muddling the waters within the clinical context. Although on one hand this represents a challenge for the clinician for a potential under- or over-treatment and diagnostic delay, on the other hand it possibly represents an opportunity for the researcher to better disclose the intimate relationship between chronic (often low-grade) inflammation, motor disorders and deranged sensory function. The best example is probably represented by Crohn&#x02019;s disease and ulcerative colitis. In fact, a number of gastrointestinal motor disorders have been described in association with these diseases, disorders which span from the esophagus to the anorectum, and which will be extensively covered in this review. It is conceivable that at least part of this derangement is strictly related to inflammatory cytokine trafficking and neuromuscular changes; however, given the high prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in the general population, this overlap might also be serendipitous. However, it is worth noting that literature data on this topic are relatively scarce, sometimes quite outdated, and mostly focused on the interplay between irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease. Nevertheless, both researchers and clinicians must be aware that symptoms related to gastrointestinal motility disorders may be highly prevalent in both active and inactive inflammatory bowel disease, correlate with greater psychological comorbidity and poorer quality of life, and may negatively influence the therapeutic approaches.

Helicobacter pylori and pregnancy-related disorders

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is investigated in gastric diseases even during pregnancy. In particular, this Gram-negative bacterium seems to be associated with hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. During the last decade, the relationship among H. pylori and several extra-gastric diseases strongly emerged in literature. The correlation among H. pylori infection and pregnancy-related disorders was mainly focused on iron deficiency anemia, thrombocytopenia, fetal malformations, miscarriage, pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction. H. pylori infection may have a role in the pathogenesis of various pregnancy-related disorders through different mechanisms: depletion of micronutrients (iron and vitamin B12) in maternal anemia and fetal neural tube defects; local or systemic induction of pro-inflammatory cytokines release and oxidative stress in gastrointestinal disorders and pre-eclampsia; cross-reaction between specific anti-H. pylori antibodies and antigens localized in placental tissue and endothelial cells (pre-eclampsia, fetal growth restriction, miscarriage). Since H. pylori infection is most likely acquired before pregnancy, it is widely believed that hormonal and immunological changes occurring during pregnancy could activate latent H. pylori with a negative impact not only on maternal health (nutritional deficiency, organ injury, death), but also on the fetus (insufficient growth, malformation, death) and sometime consequences can be observed later in life. Another important issue addressed by investigators was to determine whether it is possible to transmit H. pylori infection from mother to child and whether maternal anti-H. pylori antibodies could prevent infant’s infection. Studies on novel diagnostic and therapeutic methods for H. pylori are no less important, since these are particularly sensitive topics in pregnancy conditions. It could be interesting to study the possible correlation between H. pylori infection and other pregnancy-related diseases of unknown etiology, such as gestational diabetes mellitus, obstetric cholestasis and spontaneous preterm delivery. Since H. pylori infection is treatable, the demonstration of its causative role in pregnancy-related disorders will have important social-economic implications.

Gut microbiota in various childhood disorders:Implication and indications

Gut microbiota has a significant role in gut development,maturation,and immune system differentiation.It exerts considerable effects on the child's physical and mental development.The gut microbiota composition and structure depend on many host and microbial factors.The host factors include age,genetic pool,general health,dietary factors,medication use,the intestine's pH,peristalsis,and transit time,mucus secretions,mucous immunoglobulin,and tissue oxidation-reduction potentials.The microbial factors include nutrient availability,bacterial cooperation or antagonism,and bacterial adhesion.Each part of the gut has its microbiota due to its specific characteristics.The gut microbiota interacts with different body parts,affecting the pathogenesis of many local and systemic diseases.Dysbiosis is a common finding in many childhood disorders such as autism,failure to thrive,nutritional disorders,coeliac disease,Necrotizing Enterocolitis,helicobacter pylori infection,functional gastrointestinal disorders of childhood,inflammatory bowel diseases,and many other gastrointestinal disorders.Dysbiosis is also observed in allergic conditions like atopic dermatitis,allergic rhinitis,and asthma.Dysbiosis can also impact the development and the progression of immune disorders and cardiac disorders,including heart failure.Probiotic supplements could provide some help in managing these disorders.However,we are still in need of more studies.In this narrative review,we will shed some light on the role of microbiota in the development and management of common childhood disorders.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and gastrointestinal morbidity in a large cohort of young adults

BACKGROUND Although the association of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)with psychiatric disorders is well known,its association with somatic diseases is unclear.Only few studies have investigated the gastrointestinal(GI)morbidity in adult patients with ADHD.AIM To measure gastrointestinal comorbidity and its burden on healthcare in young adults with ADHD.METHODS The cohort included subjects aged 17-35 years recruited to the Israel Defense Forces in 2007-2013,33380 with ADHD and 355652 without(controls).The groups were compared for functional and inflammatory conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and clinic and specialist visits for gastrointestinal symptoms/disease during service(to 2016).Findings were analyzed by generalized linear models adjusted for background variables.RESULTS Compared to controls,the ADHD group had more diagnoses of functional gastrointestinal disorders(referred to as FGID),namely,dyspepsia[odds ratio(OR):1.48,95%confidence interval(CI):1.40-1.57,P<0.001],chronic constipation(OR:1.64,95%CI:1.48-1.81,P<0.001),and irritable bowel syndrome(OR:1.67,95%CI:1.56-1.80,P<0.001)but not of organic disorders(inflammatory bowel disease,celiac disease).They had more frequent primary care visits for gastrointestinal symptoms[rate ratio(RR):1.25,95%CI:1.24-1.26,P<0.001]and referrals to gastrointestinal specialists(RR:1.96,95%CI:1.88-2.03,P<0.001)and more episodes of recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms(RR:1.29,95%CI:1.21-1.38,P<0.001).Methylphenidate use increased the risk of dyspepsia(OR:1.49,95%CI:1.28-1.73,P<0.001)and constipation(OR:1.42,95%CI:1.09-1.84,P=0.009).CONCLUSION ADHD in young adults is associated with an excess of FGID and increased use of related health services.Research is needed to determine if an integrative approach treating both conditions will benefit these patients and cut costs.