Relationship between Kawasaki disease and abdominal pain

This editorial presents an analysis of an article recently published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases.Kawasaki disease(KD)is a well-known pediatric vasculitis characterized by fever,rash,conjunctivitis,oral mucosal changes,and swelling of the extremities.This editorial aims to delve into the intricate relationship between KD and abdominal pain,drawing insights from recent research findings to provide a comprehensive understanding and potential avenues for future investigation.

Extralobar pulmonary sequestration in children with abdominal pain:Four case reports

BACKGROUND Extralobar pulmonary sequestration(ELS)with torsion is extremely rare,consequently,the diagnosis of ELS with torsion in children presents a challenge for clinicians.Herein,we report four cases of ELS with torsion that presented with abdominal pain,and further review the relevant literature to summarize the clinical features.CASE SUMMARY Four children presented to our department with abdominal pain.All underwent chest computed tomography,which revealed an intrathoracic soft tissue mass with pleural effusion.All four children underwent thoracoscopic resection of the identified pulmonary sequestration,and the vascular pedicle was clipped and excised.None of the patients experienced any postoperative complications.CONCLUSION Clinicians should consider the possibility of ELS with torsion in children presenting with abdominal pain as the chief complaint.

Galvanic Skin Response—Extinction Biofeedback Training for Psychogenic Abdominal Pain: A Validation Protocol

Abdominal and pelvic pain of psychogenic origin is a widespread, disabling, difficult to identify, and often inadequately treated medical condition. This condition is often associated with poor quality of life due to high pain interference with daily activities. Cognitive behavioral psychological therapy and neuromodulation with biofeedback are validated therapies for the treatment of this condition. Aim of the present research work is the validation of a therapeutic protocol that involves the use of both techniques in combination. 20 patients diagnosed with psychogenic abdominal pain, of both sexes, aged between 18 and 60 years who had not benefited from pharmacological therapies were enrolled. 10 patients were randomly assigned to the control group (psychological treatment only), another 10 patients were assigned to the study group (neuromodulation with biofeedback-Galvanic skin response-extinction in combination with psychological therapy). For both groups, the pain score, interference of pain with daily living activities, pain relief, and the share of anxiety associated with the pain condition were evaluated (pre- and post-treatment). The patients who underwent the combined treatment achieved statistically significant better scores than patients in the control group, respectively −4.9 ± 0.9 vs −1.0 ± 0.4 for Pain;−5.1 ± 1.1 vs −0.9 ± 0.3 for Interference with life;−7.2 ± 3.7 vs −2.2 ± 2.1 for HAMA;4.6 ± 1.2 vs 1.1 ± 0.6 for Relief.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum in pediatric functional abdominal pain

AIM:To assess the effects of partially hydrolyzed guar gum(PHGG) diet supplement in pediatric chronic abdominal pain(CAP) and irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).METHODS:A randomized,double-blind pilot study was performed in sixty children(8-16 years) with functional bowel disorders,such as CAP or IBS,diagnosed according to Rome Ⅲ criteria.All patients underwent ultrasound,blood and stool examinations to rule out any organic disease.Patients were allocated to receive PHGG at dosage of 5 g/d(n = 30) or placebo(fruitjuice n = 30) for 4 wk.The evaluation of the efficacy of fiber supplement included IBS symptom severity score(Birmingham IBS Questionnaire),severity of abdominal pain(Wong-Baker Face Pain Rating Score) and bowel habit(Bristol Stool Scale).Symptom scores were completed at 2,4,and 8 wk.The change from baseline in the symptom severity scale at the end of treatment and at 4 wk follow-up after treatment was the primary endpoint.The secondary endpoint was to evaluate compliance to supplementation with the PHGG in the pediatric population.Differences within groups during the treatment period and follow-up were evaluated by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test.RESULTS:The results of the study were assessed considering some variables,such as frequency and intensity of symptoms with modifications of the bowel habit.Both groups were balanced for baseline characteristics and all patients completed the study.Group A(PHGG group) presented a higher level of efficacy compared to group B(control group),(43% vs 5%,P = 0.025) in reducing clinical symptoms with modification of Birmingham IBS score(median 0 ± 1 vs 4 ± 1,P = 0.025),in intensity of CAP assessed with the Wong-Baker Face Pain Rating Score and in normalization of bowel habit evaluated with the Bristol Stool Scale(40% vs 13.3%,P = 0.025).In IBS subgroups,statistical analysis shown a tendency toward normalization of bowel movements,but there was no difference in the prevalence of improvement in two bowel habit subsets.PHGG was therefore better tolerated without any adverse effects.CONCLUSION:Although the cause of pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders is not known,the results show that complementary therapy with PHGG may have beneficial effects on symptom control.

Glucomannan for abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders in children:A randomized trial

AIM:To assess the efficacy of glucomannan(GNN) as the sole treatment for abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders(FGIDs).METHODS:We conducted a double-blind,placebocontrolled,randomized trial.Patients were recruited among children referred to the Department of Paediatrics,Medical University of Warsaw.Included in the study were children aged 7-17 years with abdominal pain-related FGIDs classified according to the Rome Ⅲ diagnostic criteria.The children were randomly assigned to receive GNN,a polysaccharide of 1,4-D-glucose and D-mannose,a soluble fiber from the Japanese Konjac plant,at a dosage of 2.52 g/d(1 sachet of 1.26 g 2 times a day),or a comparable placebo(maltodextrin) at the same dosage.The content of each sachet was dissolved in approximately 125 mL of fluid and was consumed twice daily for 4 wk.RESULTS:Of the 89 eligible children,84(94%) completed the study."No pain" and "treatment success"(defined as no pain or a decrease ≥ 2/6 points on the FACES Pain Scale Revised) were similar in the GNN(n = 41) and placebo(n = 43) groups [no pain(12/41 vs 6/43,respectively;RR = 2.1,95%CI:0.87-5.07) as well as treatment success(23/41 vs 20/43;RR = 1.2,95%CI:0.79-1.83)].No significant differences between the groups were observed in the secondary outcomes,such as abdominal cramps,abdominal bloating/gassiness,episodes of nausea or vomiting,or a changed in stool consistency.GNN demonstrated no significant influence on the number of children requiring rescue therapy,school absenteeism,or daily activities.CONCLUSION:In our setting,GNN,as dosed in this study,was no more effective than the placebo in achieving therapeutic success in the management of FGIDs in children.

Serotonin transporter and cholecystokinin in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome: Associations with abdominal pain, visceral hypersensitivity and psychological performance

BACKGROUND Visceral hypersensitivity and psychological performance are the main pathophysiological mechanisms of irritable bowel syndrome(IBS).Previous studies have found that cholecystokinin(CCK)can enhance colon movement and that serotonin transporter(SERT)is a transmembrane transport protein with high affinity for 5-hydroxytryptamine,which can rapidly reuptake 5-hydroxytryptamine and then regulate its action time and intensity.We speculate that SERT and CCK might play a role in the pathogenesis of diarrheapredominant IBS(IBS-D)by affecting visceral sensitivity and the brain-gut axis.AIM To determine SERT and CCK levels in IBS-D patients diagnosed using Rome IV criteria and to analyze their associations with abdominal pain,visceral hypersensitivity and psychological performance.METHODS This study collected data from 40 patients with IBS-D at the China-Japan Friendship Hospital from September 2017 to April 2018 and 18 healthy controls.The severity of abdominal pain,visceral sensitivity and psychological performance were evaluated in IBS-D patients and healthy controls,the levels of SERT and CCK in plasma and colonic mucosa were evaluated,and the correlations between them were analyzed.RESULTS There were significant differences in the initial sensation threshold(31.00±8.41 mL vs 52.22±8.09 mL,P<0.001),defecating sensation threshold(51.75±13.57 mL vs 89.44±8.73 mL,P<0.001)and maximum tolerable threshold(97.25±23.64 mL vs 171.11±20.83 mL,P<0.001)between the two groups.IBS-D patients had more severe anxiety(7.78±2.62 vs 2.89±1.02,P<0.001)and depressive(6.38±2.43 vs 2.06±0.73,P<0.001)symptoms than healthy controls.Significant differences were also found in mucosal CCK(2.29±0.30 vs 1.66±0.17,P<0.001)and SERT(1.90±0.51 vs 3.03±0.23,P<0.001)between the two groups.There was a significant positive correlation between pain scores and mucosal CCK(r=0.96,0.93,0.94,P<0.001).Significant negative correlations between anxiety(r=-0.98;P<0.001),depression(r=-0.99;P<0.001),pain evaluation(r=-0.96,-0.93,-0.95,P<0.001)and mucosal SERT were observed.CONCLUSION IBS-D patients had psychosomatic disorders and visceral hypersensitivity.SERT and CCK might be involved in the pathogenesis of IBS-D by regulating the braingut axis and affecting visceral sensitivity.This provides a new potential method for identifying a more specific and effective therapeutic target.

Autonomic functions and gastric motility in children with functional abdominal pain disorders

BACKGROUND Abdominal pain-predominant functional gastrointestinal disorders(AP-FGIDs)are the most common cause of recurrent abdominal pain in children. Despite its high prevalence, the underlying pathophysiology of this condition is poorly understood.AIM To assess the role of gastric dysmotility and autonomic nervous system dysfunction in the pathophysiology of AP-FGIDs.METHODS One hundred children, fulfilling Rome III criteria for AP-FGIDs, and 50 healthy controls, aged 5 to 12 years, were recruited after obtaining parental consent. All patients were investigated for underlying organic disorders. Gastric motility and cardiovascular autonomic functions were assessed using validated non-invasive techniques.RESULTS The main gastric motility parameters assessed(gastric emptying rate [45.7 vs 59.6 in controls], amplitude [48.7 vs 58.2], frequency of antral contractions [8.3 vs 9.4],and antral motility index [4.1 vs 6.4]) were significantly lower in children with AP-FGIDs(P < 0.05). The post-prandial antral dilatation at 1 min after the test meal significantly correlated with the severity of abdominal pain(P < 0.05).Assessment of autonomic functions in AP-FGID patients showed neither a significant difference compared to the control group, nor a correlation with gastric motility abnormalities(P > 0.05). The duration of pain episodes negatively correlated with the parasympathetic tone(maladaptive parasympathetic tone)(P< 0.05).CONCLUSION Children with AP-FGIDs have abnormal gastric motility but normal cardiovascular autonomic functions. There is no relationship between abnormal gastric motility and autonomic functions. The pathogenesis of AP-FGIDs is not related to cardiovascular autonomic dysfunction.

Seasonal variations of acute appendicitis and nonspecific abdominal pain in Finland

AIM: To investigate whether seasonal changes had an effect on the incidence of acute appendicitis (AA) or nonspecific abdominal pain (NSAP).

Paroxysmal drastic abdominal pain with tardive cutaneous lesions presenting in Henoch-Schnlein purpura

Henoch-Schnlein purpura(HSP) is a small-vessel vasculitis mediated by IgA-immune complex deposition.It is characterized by the clinical tetrad of non-thrombocytopenic palpable purpura,abdominal pain,arthritis and renal involvement.The diagnosis of HSP is difficult,especially when abdominal symptoms precede cutaneous lesions.We report a rare case of paroxysmal drastic abdominal pain with gastrointestinal bleeding presented in HSP.The diagnosis was verified by renal damage and the occurrence of purpura.

Chronic abdominal pain secondary to mesenteric panniculitis treated successfully with endoscopic ultrasonography-guided celiac plexus block: A case report

Mesenteric panniculitis is a chronic illness that is characterized by fibrosing inflammation of the mesenteries that can lead to intractable abdominal pain. Pain control is a crucial component of the management plan. Most patients will improve with oral corticosteroids treatment, however, some patients will require a trial of other immunosuppressive agents, and a minority of patients will continue to have refractory disease. Endoscopic ultrasound guided celiac plexus block is used frequently to control abdominal pain in patients with pancreatic pathology. To our knowledge there are no case reports describing its use in mesenteric panniculitis patients with refractory abdominal pain.

Measuring episodic abdominal pain and disability in suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction

AIM:To evaluate the reliability of an instrument that measures disability arising from episodic abdominal pain in patients with suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction(SOD).METHODS:Although several treatments have been utilized to reduce pain and associated disability,measurement tools have not been developed to reliably track outcomes.Two pilot studies were conducted to assess test-retest reliability of a newly developed instrument,the recurrent abdominal pain intensity and disability(RAPID) instrument.The RAPID score is a 90-d summation of days where productivity for various daily activities is reduced as a result of abdominal pain episodes,and is modeled after the migraine disability assessment instrument used to measure headache-related disability.RAPID was administered by telephone on 2 consecutive occasions in 2 consenting populations with suspected SOD:a pre-sphincterotomy population(Pilot Ⅰ,n = 55) and a post-sphincterotomy population(Pilot Ⅱ,n = 70).RESULTS:The average RAPID scores for Pilots Ⅰ and Ⅱ were:82 d(median:81.5 d,SD:64 d) and 48 d(median:0 d,SD:91 d),respectively.The concordance between the 2 assessments for both populations was very good:0.81 for the pre-sphincterotomy population and 0.95 for the post-sphincterotomy population.CONCLUSION:The described pilot studies suggest that RAPID is a reliable instrument for measuring disability resulting from abdominal pain in suspected SOD patients.

Association between functional abdominal pain disorders and asthma in adolescents: A cross-sectional study

AIM To find the association between asthma and different types of functional abdominal pain disorders(FAPDs) among teenagers. METHOD A cross-sectional study was conducted among 13 to 15-year-old children from six randomly selected schools in Anuradhapura district of Sri Lanka. Data were collected using translated and validated selfadministered questionnaires(Rome Ⅲ questionnaire, International Study on Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire, and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory 4.0) and administered under an examination setting after obtaining parental consent and assent.RESULTS Of the 1101 children included in the analysis, 157(14.3%) had asthma and 101(9.2%) had at least one FAPDs. Of children with asthma, 19.1% had at least one type of FAPDs. Prevalence rates of functional abdominal pain(FAP)(8.9% vs 3.3% in nonasthmatics), functional dyspepsia(FD)(2.5% vs 0.7%), and abdominal migraine(AM)(3.2% vs 0.4%) were higher in those with asthma(P < 0.05, multiple logistic regression analysis), but not in those with irritable bowel syndrome(4.5% vs 3.1%, P = 0.2). Severe abdominal pain(10.8% vs 4.6%), bloating(16.6% vs 9.6%), nausea(6.4% vs 2.9%), and anorexia(24.2% vs 16.2%) were more prevalent among asthmatics(P < 0.05). Lower gastrointestinal symptoms did not show a significant difference. Scores obtained for health related quality of life(HRQoL) were lower in those with asthma and FAPDs(P < 0.05, unpaired t-test).CONCLUSION Asthma is associated with three different types of FAPDs, namely, FD, AM, and FAP. HRQoL is significantly impaired in teenagers with asthma and FAPDs.

Unexplained abdominal pain due to a fish bone penetrating the gastric antrum and migrating into the neck of the pancreas: A case report

BACKGROUND Ingestion of foreign bodies results in gastrointestinal perforation in approximately 1% of patients,and fish bones are the objects that most commonly lead to bowel perforation. When it does occur,the terminal ileum is the most common site of perforation,followed by the duodenal C-loop. However,involvement of the pancreas is very rare. Because clinical symptoms are nonspecific and gastrointestinal perforation may present as only odynophagia or abdominal pain,a definite preoperative diagnosis and clinical intervention may be delayed.CASE SUMMARY We report the case of a 32-year-old man who presented to our hospital because of abdominal pain that had worsened over 5 d. He had no significant past history except that he had eaten fish 1 wk previously. Upper endoscopy revealed an irregular submucosal tumor on the front wall of the gastric antrum. Endoscopic ultrasonography and computed tomography showed a fish bone penetrating the gastric antrum and migratingin to the neck of the pancreas. The patient underwent laparoscopic surgery and had no complications one week after the operation.CONCLUSION A recent history of foreign body ingestion and imaging examinations are helpful for diagnosis of unexplained abdominal pain caused by foreign bodies.

Mucocele of the appendix: An unusual cause of lower abdominal pain in a patient with ulcerative colitis-. A case report and review of literature

The authors report the case of a 60-year-old male patient. In November 2001 he developed intestinal symptoms of bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Colononoscopy and biopsy established the diagnosis of ulcerative colitis (proctosigmoiditis). The disease activity was moderate at the beginning. No significant laboratory alterations were found (including CEA, CA19-9), and mesalazine was started orally. He was in remission until November 2003, when he was admitted to our Outpatient Clinic for upper and right lower abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. Colonoscopy found proctosigmoiditis with a moderate activity, gastroscopy revealed chronic gastritis, laboratory data was normal. Treatment was amended with mesalazine clysma and methylprednisolone (16 mg) orally. Symptoms ameliorated; however, right lower abdominal pain persisted. US and CT examinat'on demonstrated a pericecal cystic mass (11 cm×3.5 cm). At first pericecal abscess was suspected, as the previous US examination (6 mo earlier) had revealed normal findings. Fine needie aspiration was performed. Cytology confirmed the diagnosis of mucocele. The patientunderwent partial cecum resection and extirpation of the mucocele. He recovered well and the final histology revealed a cystadenoma of the appendix. Follow up was started. The pati雗t is now free of symptoms. Although primary adenocarcinoma of the appendix is uncommon, the authors emphasize that preoperative diagnosis of an underlying malignancy in a mucocele is important for pati雗t management; however, it is difficult on imaging studies.

Abdominal pain related to adulterated opium:An emerging issue in drug addicts

Lead may contaminate opium,heroin and illicit opiates and is particularly observed in Iran.Lead,a natural heavy metal is able to interfere with several organ functions after ingestion or inhalation.Lead poisoning manifestations are non-specific and thus lead poisoning remains difficult to diagnose.Among the manifestations,abdominal pain is almost the most frequent symptom causing patients to seek medical care.In patients with a history of opium addiction presenting with moderate-to-severe abdominal pain,lack of diagnosis of lead toxicity may thus result in time-consuming and unnecessary medical work-ups that can end up in invasive surgery.This paper aims to briefly review abdominal pain as an emergency issue and the leading symptom of lead poisoning that brings most of the patients to healthcare facilities.All published adult cases and case series of opium addicts admitted with abdominal pain due to leadadulterated opium consumption have been reviewed.A trend of increasing numbers of lead poisoning cases has recently emerged among opium addicts in Iran.Due to the non-specific manifestations and hazardous effects,psychiatrists and emergency physicians should consider lead poisoning in patients with a past or present history of opium addiction referred for acute abdominal pain,particularly in case of colicky abdominal pain.

Clinical evaluation of testicular torsion presenting with acute abdominal pain in young males

Objective:To evaluate the features of testicular torsion presenting with acute abdominal pain and to raise awareness of testicular torsion with specific symptoms.Methods:From October 2005 to June 2016,nine patients with testicular torsion who presented with isolated acute abdominal pain rather than scrotal pain as their primary symptom were retrospectively reviewed.Data,including the age of patients,season at admission,initial medical history,external genital examination,emergency ultrasound findings,operative findings,duration of abdominal pain,complications,and follow-up results,were collected.Results:The average age of patients was 14 years(range 10-17 years).Seven patients whose genitals were not initially examined externally were misdiagnosed as having ordinary abdominal diseases.Surgical exploration revealed that all the involved testes necrotized,and orchidectomy was performed.In the other two patients,scrotal and testicular abnormalities were detected immediately on admission,and emergency surgical exploration determined that the involved testis remained vital,so orchiopexy was performed.The mean duration from symptom onset to diagnosis was 4 h(3-5 h)in the orchiopexy group and 37 h(18-72 h)in the orchidectomy group.Six patients were psychologically affected during postoperative follow-up.Neither recurrence of testicular torsion nor testicular atrophy was recorded.Conclusion:Acute abdominal pain can be the initial and sole symptom of testicular torsion in young males.Physicians should pay close attention to the specific clinical presentation of testicular torsion.

Small bowel diverticulitis with severe anemia and abdominal pain

The current case report is related to a male patient with diabetes, obesity [body mass index(BMI) 33], hypertension and recurrence of anemia associated to melena and deep asthenia. M.P., a 60-year-old obese individual, was referred to our department by the primary care unit(PCU) of our hospital for severe anemia(Hemoglobin 6.5 g/d L) associated to episodes of melena and abdominal pain. In the past 5 mo the patient referred to the local hospital 3 times for episodes of melena(hemoglobin levels showed anemia 9.8 g/d L) but the main gastroenterological exams were completely negative(colonoscopy and gastroscopy). The PCU of our Hospital, after stabilization of the main parameters and blood transfusion for the low levels of hemoglobin, referred the patient to gastroenterologists: the patient was subjected to both colonoscopy and gastroscopy that were negative. Due to the condition of acute severe hemorrhage the patient, during the first 3 h from the access to the PCU, was subjected to arteriography that did not reveal any hemorrhagic foci or vascular alterations. The video capsule for the study of the small bowel showed the presence of blood beginning from the third portion of duodenum but deep gastroscopy did not reveal it. The patient was then subjected to double balloon endoscopy that revealed a severe diverticulosis of the small bowel with blood from the diverticula. The entero-tomografia computerizzata confirmed the diagnosis and revealed an extension of the diverticula for almost the entire small bowel(no diverticula in the colon). The patient was subjected to wide spectrum antibiotic therapy with resolution of the symptoms and stabilization of hemoglobin levels. The surgeon suggests no indication to surgery for the wide area involved from the disease and potential high risk of complication due to the high BMI. At home, the patient started a monthly therapy with rifaximin and probiotics associated to mesalazine. At present, after 12 mo from the last episode of hemorrhage, the patient is in good clinical condition, reduced his body weight of about 7 kg and the hemoglobin levels appear in slow progressive increase(last measurement 13.2 g/d L).

Risk factors for post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) abdominal pain in patients without post-ERCP pancreatitis

Background:Abdominal pain is often observed after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP).Few studies have focused on the risk factors of post-ERCP abdominal pain without post-ERCP pancreatitis(PEP).This study aimed to identify risk factors of post-ERCP abdominal pain without PEP and investigate characteristics of the abdominal pain in non-PEP patients.Methods:Data from patients who underwent ERCP from August 2019 to January 2020 were retrospectively collected.Characteristics of the abdominal pain after ERCP were recorded and compared between PEP and non-PEP patients.Multivariate analysis was conducted to identify risk factors of non-PEP abdominal pain.Results:A total of 1295 ERCP procedures were investigated in this study,among which 100(7.72%)patients presented post-ERCP abdominal pain without PEP and 63(4.86%)patients with PEP.Multivariate analysis found 9 risk factors of non-PEP abdominal pain:age≤65 years[odds ratio(OR):1.971],primary ERCP(OR:2.442),dilated extrahepatic bile duct(OR:1.803),no papilla opening(OR:2.095),pancreatic guidewire passages(OR:2.258),white blood cells(WBC)≤6.0×10^(9)/L(OR:1.689),platelet(PLT)≤250×10^(9)/L(OR:2.505),serumγ-glutamyl transferase(γ-GT)≤35 U/L(OR:2.190),and albumin≥40 g/L(OR:1.762).The PEP group had later pain onset,higher pain frequency and longer hospital stay than those of the non-PEP pain group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences in the pain duration,visual analogue scale score and mortality between the PEP group and non-PEP pain group(P>0.05).Conclusions:This study indicated that age≤65 years,primary ERCP,dilated extrahepatic bile duct,no papilla opening,pancreatic guidewire passages,lower WBC,lower PLT,normalγ-GT and elevated albumin were independent risk factors for post-ERCP abdominal pain without PEP.The pain occurred earlier in non-PEP patients than in PEP patients.

Family history of irritable bowel syndrome is the major determinant of persistent abdominal complaints in young adults with a history of pediatric recurrent abdominal pain

AIM： To assess the late outcome of teen-agers with a previous history of recurrent abdominal pain （RAP） or irritable bowel syndrome （IBS）. METHODS： A group of 67 children with RAP referred to the department from January 1986 to December 1995 was followed up between 5 and 13 years after the initial diagnosis by means of a structured telephone interview. We hypothesized that those patients with persistent adult IBS-like symptoms would be significantly more likely to report a family history oflBS in comparison with adults with no persistent abdominal complaint. RESULTS： Out of the 52 trackable subjects, 15 were found to present IBS-like symptoms at follow-up （29%） whereas the majority （37 subjects） did not. Subjects with IBS-like symptoms were almost three times more likely to present at least one sibling with similar symptoms compared to subjects not complaining （40.0% vs 16.0%）, respectively （P 〈 0.05 at Student t test）. Subjects with IBS-like symptoms also reported a higher prevalence of extra-intestinal symptoms, such as back pain, fibromyalgia, headache, fatigue and sleep disturbances. CONCLUSION： The study confirms previous observations indicating that pediatric RAP can predict later development of IBS. The latter appears to be greatly influenced by intrafamilial aggregation of symptoms, possibly through the learning of a specific illness behavior.

Social learning contributions to the etiology and treatment of functional abdominal pain and inflammatory bowel disease in children and adults

This paper reviews empirical work on cognitive and social learning contributions to the etiology and treatment of illness behavior associated with functional abdominal pain and inflammatory bowel disease. A particular emphasis is placed on randomized controlled trials, the majority of which are multi-modal in orientation, incorporating elements of cognitive behavioral therapy, social learning, and relaxation. Based on this review, we offer methodological and clinical suggestions: (1) Research investigations should include adequate sample sizes, long-term follow-up assessments, and a credible, active control group. (2) Standard gastrointestinal practice should include, when appropriate, learning opportunities for patients and family members, for example, instruction regarding the encouragement of wellness behavior.