Management of functional gastrointestinal disorders in children. Focus on restoring intestinal microenvironment and motility

Abstract

Functional gastrointestinal disorders in children are one of the most common reasons why parents visit a pediatrician. Functional gastrointestinal disorders include various persistent combinations of chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms in the absence of any organic pathology in the gastrointestinal tract (structural abnormalities, inflammatory changes, infections, or tumours) and metabolic disturbances. The article presents details on the mechanisms of development, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria and approaches to the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Clinical manifestations of functional gastrointestinal disorders vary depending on age and characteristics of physical and intellectual development. In more than half of children, they are observed in various combinations, less often as one isolated symptom. The drug therapy should consider the main components of pathogenesis and facilitate the solution of the following issues: improvement of digestion; restoration of intestinal microenvironment and motility; reduction of visceral hypersensitivity. Special attention is paid to the management of motor disorders and restoration of intestinal microenvironment using symbiotics. When choosing a supplement, it is advisable to focus on the composition of probiotic strains, which should comply with the WGO global guidelines (Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, etc.).Prescription of peripheral δ-, μ- и κ-receptor agonists – trimebutine and pre- and probiotics combinations to children with functional gastrointestinal disorders results in decreased signs of functional disorders of the digestive tract. By acting on the enkephalinergic system, trimebutine regulates the bowel activity, improves motility, and reduces visceral hypersensitivity. Trimebutine is included in the Russian guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of functional disorders of the digestive tract in children, as well as in the clinical guidelines for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, and functional abdominal pain.