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Biomedical subjects

Carlo Di Lorenzo

Publications and source records attributed to Carlo Di Lorenzo.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Pharmacotherapy for functional gastrointestinal disorders in children.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders are among the most common medical problems in pediatrics. However, only a few well-designed trials have evaluated the efficacy and safety of treatments in these conditions. Data obtained from studies conducted in adults are often utilized to tailor treatment to children with functional gastrointestinal disorders. This practice might lead to substantial medication under- or over-dosing, or use of drugs for an incorrect indication.

Child↗
PubMed2006

Cecostomy in children with defecation disorders.

Administration of antegrade enemas through a cecostomy is a therapeutic option for children with severe defecation disorders. The purpose of this study is to report our 4-year experience with the cecostomy procedure in 31 children with functional constipation (n = 9), Hirschsprung's disease (n = 2), imperforate anus (n = 5), spinal abnormalities (n = 8), and imperforate anus in combination with tethered spinal cord (n = 7). Data regarding complications, antegrade enemas used, symptoms, and quality of life were retrospectively obtained. Placement of cecostomy tubes was successful in 30 of 31 patients. Soiling episodes decreased significantly in children with functional constipation (P = 0.01), imperforate anus (P < 0.01), and spinal abnormalities (P = 0.04). Quality of life improved in patients with functional constipation and imperforate anus. No difference in complications was found between percutaneous and surgical placement. Use of antegrade enemas via cecostomy improved symptoms and quality of life in children with a variety of defecation disorders.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Barostat testing in children with functional gastrointestinal disorders.

Children and adolescents with chronic defecation disorders and chronic abdominal pain without obvious organic etiology form a challenging group of patients for pediatric health-care professionals. The pathophysiologic mechanisms underlying such functional gastroenterology disorders are poorly understood. Research studies on the use of the barostat have been aimed to increase our knowledge in this area. Barostat testing allows defining visceral hyper- or hyposensitivity, contractility, and compliance of the gut. This review focuses on rectal barostat studies performed in children with abdominal pain, constipation, and fecal incontinence.

Child↗
PubMed2006

Colonic manometry as predictor of cecostomy success in children with defecation disorders.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to define the predictive value of colonic manometry and contrast enema before cecostomy placement in children with defecation disorders. METHODS: Medical records, contrast enema, and colonic manometry studies were reviewed for 32 children with defecation disorders who underwent cecostomy placement between 1999 and 2004. Diagnoses included idiopathic constipation (n = 13), Hirschsprung's disease (n = 2), cerebral palsy (n = 1), imperforate anus (n = 6), spinal abnormality (n = 6), and anal with spinal abnormality (n = 4). Contrast enemas were evaluated for the presence of anatomic abnormalities and the degree of colonic dilatation. Colonic manometry was considered normal when high-amplitude propagating contractions (HAPC) occurred from proximal to distal colon. Clinical success was defined as normal defecation frequency with no or occasional fecal incontinence. RESULTS: Colonic manometry was done on 32 and contrast enema on 24 patients before cecostomy. At follow-up, 25 patients (78%) fulfilled the success criteria. Absence of HAPC throughout the colon was related to unsuccessful outcome (P = .03). Colonic response with normal HAPC after bisacodyl administration was predictive of success (P = .03). Presence of colonic dilatation was not associated with colonic dysmotility. CONCLUSION: Colonic manometry is helpful in predicting the outcome after cecostomy. Patients with generalized colonic dysmotility are less likely to benefit from use of antegrade enemas via cecostomy. Normal colonic response to bisacodyl predicts favorable outcome.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders: child/adolescent.

The Rome II pediatric criteria for functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) were defined in 1999 to be used as diagnostic tools and to advance empirical research. In this document, the Rome III Committee aimed to update and revise the pediatric criteria. The decision-making process to define Rome III criteria for children aged 4-18 years consisted of arriving at a consensus based on clinical experience and review of the literature. Whenever possible, changes in the criteria were evidence based. Otherwise, clinical experience was used when deemed necessary. Few publications addressing Rome II criteria were available to guide the committee. The clinical entities addressed include (1) cyclic vomiting syndrome, rumination, and aerophagia; 2) abdominal pain-related FGIDs including functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal migraine, and functional abdominal pain; and (3) functional constipation and non-retentive fecal incontinence. Adolescent rumination and functional constipation are newly defined for this age group, and the previously designated functional fecal retention is now included in functional constipation. Other notable changes from Rome II to Rome III criteria include the decrease from 3 to 2 months in required symptom duration for noncyclic disorders and the modification of the criteria for functional abdominal pain. The Rome III child and adolescent criteria represent an evolution from Rome II and should prove useful for both clinicians and researchers dealing with childhood FGIDs. The future availability of additional evidence-based data will likely continue to modify pediatric criteria for FGIDs.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2006

Effect of Nissen fundoplication on gastric motor and sensory functions.

OBJECTIVES: Bloating, abdominal pain, and early satiety have been reported in up to 30% of patients after Nissen fundoplication. We hypothesized that these postsurgical complications in children and young adults are linked to either the effects of surgery on gastric sensation, compliance or motor function or to preexisting physiological abnormalities. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated the effect of Nissen fundoplication on gastric sensory and motor functions in 13 children with gastroesophageal reflux. Gastric barostat and mixed meal gastric emptying studies were performed before surgery in all patients and were repeated after surgery in 8 and 9 children, respectively. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (median age, 7 years; range, 6 months to 18 years) underwent open Nissen (n = 6) or laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (n = 7). After fundoplication, patients had significantly higher minimal distending pressure values (10 mm Hg vs 3 mm Hg pre-Nissen, respectively; P < 0.001), reduced gastric compliance (slope values of 8.39 mm Hg vs 9.15 mm Hg, respectively, P < 0.001) and significantly higher pain scores (P < 0.001). Presurgery and postsurgery gastric emptying at 60, 90 and 120 minutes after feeding showed no significant changes. CONCLUSIONS: After Nissen fundoplication, children with gastroesophageal reflux manifest the following: (1) reduction in gastric compliance, (2) increase in minimal gastric distending pressure, (3) exacerbation of the sensations discomfort with gastric distension and (4) no effect on gastric emptying.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2006

A prospective community-based study of gastroenterological symptoms in school-age children.

INTRODUCTION: Current knowledge on the prevalence of common gastrointestinal (GI) problems is based on office-based samples or retrospective questionnaires, leading to possible bias and inaccurate estimates. AIMS: To examine the prevalence of GI symptoms in school-age children. IMPORTANCE: This is the first American prospective community study intended to assess the prevalence of common GI symptoms in children. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All fourth- and fifth-grade students from a middle-size urban school were invited to participate in a prospective cohort pilot study by completing confidential weekly surveys. The survey included a set of 8 age-appropriate, validated questions assessing the presence and severity of abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, headaches and limb pain. RESULTS: A total of 48 children (32 boys and 16 girls) participated in the study. Data were obtained for 16 weeks on 690 (90.5%) of 768 possible children per week. Children reported at least 1 symptom in 544 (70%) children per week. Headaches were the most common complaint (55% [range, 40%-72%] children per week). Sixty percent of children (range, 46%-89%) reported at least 1 GI symptom weekly. The overall prevalence of GI symptoms was the following: abdominal pain 46% (range, 28%-72%), nausea 28% (range, 17%-59%), constipation 18% (range, 7%-39%), diarrhea 17% (range, 11%-24%) and vomiting 5% (range, 0%-13%). None of the children missed school because of persistent GI symptoms during the study. DISCUSSION: The investigation demonstrates the feasibility of prospective school studies in children. The high prevalence of GI symptoms not interfering with school attendance in children underscores the benign nature of such symptoms in most children. CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal symptoms are common somatic complaints among school-age children.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2006

Pediatric gastrointestinal motility--future directions and challenges.

The study of gastrointestinal motility has evolved to a sophisticated diagnostic technique that is widely used clinically to further guide management of children with complex gastrointestinal problems. Thorough comprehension requires a multidisciplinary approach with the integration of molecular and cell biology, organ physiology, and clinical observations. During the past decade there has been a dramatic increase in our knowledge of the enteric neuromuscular system. Continued exploration of targeted gene mutations in animal models has the potential of enhancing our understanding of congenital disorders of gastrointestinal motility. Experiments studying polymorphisms in serotonin transporter gene (SERT) and different therapeutic responses to serotonergic agents in adults with irritable bowel syndrome need to be carried out in children with functional bowel disorders. Additional considerations that need to be addressed if advances are to continue include increasing the number of specialists interest in motility disorders and identifying funding sources to support the establishment of research consortiums among pediatric centers.

Child↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of mucosal eosinophils in the pediatric colon.

To evaluate the clinical significance of colonic eosinophilia, we conducted a retrospective study of all children older than 1 year evaluated at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh from January 1999 to June 2001 with a description of colonic eosinophilia in the pathology report. Medical records were reviewed. Diagnoses were confirmed by contacting the patients. Histological slides (H&E) were reviewed by an investigator blind to the patients' data. Biopsies were grouped according to the site they were taken from and then screened at low power for areas of maximal eosinophilia for further quantitative analysis. Results of manual counts were validated by image analysis using Metaphor Image Analysis Software. Sixty-nine children with colonic eosinophilia were identified (36 male; mean age, 135.2 +/- 55.4 months). Their final diagnoses were inflammatory bowel disease in 32% (group A), irritable bowel syndrome in 33% (group B), food allergies in 10% (group C), and other diagnoses in 25% (group D). The maximal eosinophil count per crypt area was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in group A vs groups B, C, and D (34.8 +/- 17.1 vs 21.3 +/- 8.8, 25.4 +/- 16.7, and 24.2 +/- 9.7, respectively). The total cellularity of the lamina propria was considered high only in group A (P < 0.05 vs groups B and C). A mostly equal vertical distribution of eosinophils throughout the lamina propria was found significantly more frequently in group A vs groups C (P = 0.04) and D (P = 0.007). We conclude that children with inflammatory bowel disease have an equal distribution of eosinophils throughout the lamina propria, with intraepithelial and intracryptal eosinophils and with a higher overall total cellularity. In irritable bowel syndrome and patients with a variety of other diagnoses, including allergies, the distribution is mostly superficial, with a lower total cellularity.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2005

Chronic Abdominal Pain In Children: a Technical Report of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.

Chronic abdominal pain, defined as long-lasting intermittent or constant abdominal pain, is a common pediatric problem encountered by primary care physicians, medical subspecialists and surgical specialists. Chronic abdominal pain in children is usually functional-that is, without objective evidence of an underlying organic disorder. The Subcommittee on Chronic Abdominal Pain of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition has prepared this report based on a comprehensive, systematic review and rating of the medical literature. This report accompanies a clinical report based on the literature review and expert opinion. The subcommittee examined the diagnostic and therapeutic value of a medical and psychologic history, diagnostic tests, and pharmacological and behavioral therapy. The presence of alarm symptoms or signs (such as weight loss, gastrointestinal bleeding, persistent fever, chronic severe diarrhea and significant vomiting) is associated with a higher prevalence of organic disease. There was insufficient evidence to state that the nature of the abdominal pain or the presence of associated symptoms (such as anorexia, nausea, headache and joint pain) can discriminate between functional and organic disorders. Although children with chronic abdominal pain and their parents are more often anxious or depressed, the presence of anxiety, depression, behavior problems or recent negative life events does not distinguish between functional and organic abdominal pain. Most children who are brought to the primary care physician's office for chronic abdominal pain are unlikely to require diagnostic testing. Pediatric studies of therapeutic interventions were examined and found to be limited or inconclusive.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2005

Chronic abdominal pain in children: a clinical report of the American Academy of Pediatrics and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.

Children and adolescents with chronic abdominal pain pose unique challenges to their caregivers. Affected children and their families experience distress and anxiety that can interfere with their ability to perform regular daily activities. Although chronic abdominal pain in children is usually attributable to a functional disorder rather than to organic disease, numerous misconceptions, insufficient knowledge among health care professionals and inadequate application of knowledge may contribute to a lack of effective management. This clinical report accompanies a technical report on childhood chronic abdominal pain and provides guidance for the clinician in the evaluation and treatment of children with chronic abdominal pain. The conclusions are based on the evidence reviewed in the technical report and on consensus achieved among subcommittee members.

Abdominal Pain↗
PubMed2005

Interobserver and intraobserver reliability of the Rome II criteria in children.

BACKGROUND: Functional gastrointestinal disorders are common in children. It has been suggested that the diagnosis of these conditions should be based on the "pediatric Rome II" criteria. The interobserver reliability for the DSM-IV, another symptom-based criteria is considered almost perfect in multiple studies. There are no studies assessing the reliability of the Rome II criteria in children. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the reliability of the pediatric Rome II criteria. METHODS: Interobserver reliability-Ten pediatric gastroenterologists and 10 fellows in pediatric gastroenterology were provided with 20 clinical vignettes, the Rome II criteria, and a list of 15 possible diagnoses. Each of the raters was instructed to select one or more diagnoses for each vignette. Intraobserver reliability-The specialists were provided with the same set of vignettes 4 months later. RESULTS: Average percentage of agreement coefficient: 45% (specialists), 47% (fellows). In order to correct for possible agreement by chance, we calculated the kappa coefficient, a measure of pairwise agreement corrected for chance. Specialists: k = 0.37 (p < 0.0001), trainees: k = 0.41, (p < 0.0001). Physicians with a special interest in functional gastrointestinal disorders (k = 0.37, p < 0.0001), and other specialists (k = 0.38, p < 0.0001). Analysis of data in pain and constipation diagnosis subgroups revealed even lower kappa (constipation: k = 0.2, p < 0.0001; pain: k = 0.3, p < 0.0001). Intraobserver agreement: k = 0.63 (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The interobserver reliability of the Rome II criteria among pediatric gastroenterologists and fellows is low. Further validation of the criteria is necessary.

Child↗