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Clinical and laboratory findings in 220 children with recurrent abdominal pain
Author(s) -
Gijsbers CFM,
Benninga MA,
Büller HA
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/j.1651-2227.2011.02179.x
Subject(s) - medicine , abdominal pain , constipation , physical examination , medical history , malabsorption , abdominal ultrasound , gastroenterology , surgery
Aim: To investigate the clinical and laboratory findings in children with recurrent abdominal pain (RAP). Methods: Consecutive patients with RAP (Apley criteria), age 4–16 years, referred to a secondary medical centre were evaluated by a standardized history, physical examination and laboratory tests. The tests encompassed Helicobacter pylori (Hp), gastrointestinal bacterial infections, protozoa, coeliac disease, carbohydrate malabsorption, food intolerance, abdominal ultrasound and plain abdominal X‐ray. More investigations were obtained if indicated. Patient characteristics were compared with surgical patients without abdominal pain (control group). Results: A total of 220 consecutive patients were included (92 M, mean age 8.8 years [4.1–16.0 years]). In 88% of the patients, abnormalities were found that refer to possible causes. Especially, protozoa were present in 33% of the patients, mostly Dientamoeba fragilis, Yersinia enterocolitica in 12% and endoscopically proven infection with Hp in 11%. In 36%, a plain abdominal X‐ray raised suspicion of constipation. Conclusion: In 220 consecutive patients with RAP, referred to secondary care, a standardized work‐up yielded abnormal results in a high percentage. The clinical significance of these findings remains to be established.