Title:Scientific Evidence for the Treatment of Children with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

VOLUME: 17 ISSUE: 2

Author(s):Paolo Quitadamo*, Sara Isoldi, Saverio Mallardo, Letizia Zenzeri and Giovanni Di Nardo

Affiliation:Department of Pediatrics, A.O.R.N. Santobono-Pausilipon, Naples, Maternal and Child Health Department, Sapienza - University of Rome, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Polo Pontino, Latina, Maternal and Child Health Department, Sapienza - University of Rome, Santa Maria Goretti Hospital, Polo Pontino, Latina, Pediatric Emergency Unit, Santobono-Pausilipon Children's Hospital, Naples, Chair of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, NESMOS Department, Faculty School of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant’Andrea University Hospital, Rome

Keywords:Scientific evidence, irritable, bowel syndrome, IBS, biopsychosocial therapies, gastro-intestinal disorders.

Abstract:Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is one of the most common functional gastro-intestinal disorders which significantly impacts the quality of life of affected children. Abdominal pain improved by defecation, associated with a change in stool form and frequency, represents its specific clinical marker. Even if a number of potential patho-physiological mechanisms have been described, the exact underlying etiology of IBS is so far unclear. Likewise, no optimal treatment has ever been found neither for adult nor for pediatric patients. Current therapeutic options include drugs, dietary interventions and biopsychosocial therapies. The present review aims at evaluating the scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of these treatments for children with IBS.