How do we define normal bowel frequency from newborn to teens?: A Bayesian meta-analysis.

Objectives: Defecation disorders are a common pediatric problem and bowel frequency is crucial in identifying them. The aim of this analysis is to define normal bowel frequencies in healthy children ranging from newborns to adolescents.

Methods: A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science from their inception to February 2024, aiming to identify studies reporting bowel habits of healthy children (0-18 years).

Towards a definition of refractory/therapy-resistant/intractable constipation in children: a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based, online survey.

Background: The Rome criteria define childhood functional constipation but do not address refractory constipation. Attempts to define refractory constipation lack consensus. The interchangeable use of 'refractory' and 'intractable' or 'therapy-resistant' constipation and lack of understanding of the therapeutic ceilings before this diagnosis complicates the definition.

Comparison of colonoscopic versus fluoroscopic colonic manometry catheter placement in children.

Objectives: Colonic manometry catheter placement can be performed by colonoscopy or fluoroscopy. Our objective was to compare outcomes of colonoscopic to fluoroscopic catheter placement in children based on the extent of colon study and the likelihood of catheter displacement.

Methods: Colonic manometry studies performed between May 2015 and May 2022 were reviewed.

Diagnosing Hirschsprung Disease in Children Older than Six Months of Age: Complications After Rectal Biopsy, Insight in Final Diagnoses and Factors Associated With Hirschsprung Disease.

Introduction: It is challenging to distinguish between patients with Hirschsprung disease (HD) and patients with other causes of defecation problems based on clinical presentation in patients older than six months. Pathological examination of the rectal biopsy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of HD. The aim of this study was to gain insight into 1) the prevalence and severity of complications following rectal biopsy, 2) the final diagnoses of patients referred for biopsy, and 3) clinical factors associated with HD in patients older than six months.

Pediatric MASLD: current understanding and practical approach.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is now the most prevalent chronic liver disease in children in industrialized countries mainly due to the rise in obesity and overweight. Besides risk of progressive liver damage, MASLD also carries an increased risk of extra-hepatic morbidity, most importantly type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Important challenges remain in the prevention, detection, and treatment of this prevalent disorder.

Accuracy of transabdominal ultrasound to diagnose functional constipation and fecal impaction in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Functional constipation is common in children and accurate diagnostic methods are essential for early diagnosis and effective management. The diagnostic accuracy of transabdominal ultrasound to diagnose functional constipation is unclear.

Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of transverse rectal diameter measurement via transabdominal ultrasound in diagnosing children with functional constipation and in identifying fecal impaction.

Incidence, diagnostics, therapeutic management and outcomes of paediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction in the Netherlands: A 20-year retrospective cohort study.

Objectives: To describe incidence, clinical course, diagnostic and therapeutic management and long-term follow-up of paediatric intestinal pseudo-obstruction (PIPO) in the Netherlands between 2000 and 2020.

Methods: Multicenter, national, retrospective, observational study including patients aged <18 years diagnosed with PIPO and treated between 2000 and 2020 in Dutch academic medical centres. Outcomes included demographics, incidence, symptoms, diagnostic- and treatment methods used during follow-up, number of hospital admissions and mortality.

Antegrade Continence Enemas for Pediatric Functional Constipation: A Systematic Review.

Background: Despite optimal conservative and medical treatment, some children with functional constipation (FC) continue to experience symptoms. Antegrade continence enema (ACE) surgery has been suggested as the primary surgical option after less invasive pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions have not been effective. The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the outcomes of ACE for children with FC.

Validation of the Dutch Infant Crying and Parent Well-Being Screening Tool in Parents of Infants Less than 12 Months of Age.

Objective: To evaluate reliability and validity of the Dutch version of the Infant Crying and Parent Well-Being (ICPW) tool in identifying parents struggling with infant crying in the first year of life.

Study Design: The original ICPW tool was translated into Dutch following established guidelines. The internal consistency and criterion validity of the Dutch ICPW tool were evaluated using a cross-sectional design.

Anorectal physiology and colonic motility in children with a history of tethered cord syndrome.

Objectives: The understanding of the impact of tethered cord syndrome (TCS) on the physiology of the colorectal area is limited. Our aim was to describe anorectal and colonic motility in children with TCS and compare the findings to those of children with functional constipation (FC).

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of children with TCS who had an anorectal manometry (ARM) performed at our institution from January 2011 to September 2023.

Pediatric to adult transition care in neurogastroenterology and motility: A position paper from the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society and European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility.

Transition services-programs that support adolescents and young adults (AYAs) as they move from a child-centered to a more autonomous, adult-orientated healthcare system-have been associated with improved short- and long-term healthcare outcomes. Unfortunately, there is a paucity of evidence exploring transition services within the neurogastroenterology and motility (NGM) field. The overall aim of this article, endorsed by the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society and European Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility, is to promote a discussion about the role of transition services for patients with NGM disorders.

Navigating through 65 years of insights: lessons learned on functional abdominal pain in children.

In 1958, Apley and Naish authored a groundbreaking paper in Archives of Disease in Childhood, elucidating the epidemiology and risk factors of recurrent abdominal pain in children-a subject that had confounded clinicians of their time. Surprisingly, even after 65 years, there are several unanswered questions regarding the etiology, pathophysiology, and management of pediatric abdominal pain. Contrary to the prevailing notion that children naturally outgrow functional abdominal pain, compelling evidence suggests it's possible these children develop a number of clinically significant psychological issues that could profoundly impact their quality of life and, consequently, future health and educational outcomes.

Transition from pediatric to adult care in patients with chronic intestinal failure on home parenteral nutrition: How to do it right?

Background: Life expectancy of children with chronic intestinal failure (CIF) on home parenteral nutrition has greatly improved. Children are now able to grow into adulthood which requires transfer from pediatric to adult health care. A guideline for structured transition is lacking and the demand for a more standardized care for this patient group is necessary.

Current practice in the care of children with functional constipation: What is the hold up?

Objectives: For children with intractable functional constipation (FC), there are no evidence-based guidelines for subsequent evaluation and treatment. Our objective was to assess the practice patterns of a large, international cohort of pediatric gastroenterologists.

Methods: We administered a survey to physicians who attended the 2nd World Congress of Pediatric Neurogastroenterology and Motility held in Columbus, Ohio (USA) in September 2023.

How do we define therapy-resistant constipation in children aged 4-18 years old? A systematic review with meta-narrative synthesis.

Background: Therapy-resistant constipation often is a frustrating clinical entity recognised by the persistence of infrequent and painful bowel movements faecal incontinence and abdominal pain despite intensive treatment. It is important to clearly define therapy-resistant constipation before children are subjected to invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

Aim: To conduct a systematic review determining how paediatric interventional studies define therapy-resistant constipation.

Fecal microbiota and volatile metabolome pattern alterations precede late-onset meningitis in preterm neonates.

Objective: The fecal microbiota and metabolome are hypothesized to be altered before late-onset neonatal meningitis (LOM), in analogy to late-onset sepsis (LOS). The present study aimed to identify fecal microbiota composition and volatile metabolomics preceding LOM.

Methods: Cases and gestational age-matched controls were selected from a prospective, longitudinal preterm cohort study (born <30 weeks' gestation) at nine neonatal intensive care units.

Catheter salvage or removal in catheter-related bloodstream infections with Staphylococcus aureus in children with chronic intestinal failure receiving home parenteral nutrition and the use of prophylactic taurolidine catheter lock solution: A descriptive cohort study.

Background: Children with chronic IF require long-term home parenteral nutrition (HPN), administered through a central venous catheter. Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) with Staphylococcus aureus is known to be a serious infection with a high mortality rate and risk of complications. A standardized protocol on the management of S aureus CRBSIs in children receiving HPN is lacking.

Gastric emptying and myoelectrical activity testing in children with esophageal atresia: A pilot study.

Objectives: Abnormalities of gastric function in children with esophageal atresia (EA) could potentially contribute to gastrointestinal symptoms and reduced quality of life (QOL). Therefore, we aimed to determine the feasibility and clinical usefulness of gastric function testing in children with EA.

Methods: The validated PedsQL Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire (PedsQL-GI) was completed to assess gastrointestinal symptoms and symptom-related QOL.

Functional gastrointestinal disorders, quality of life, and behaviour in adolescents with history of infant colic.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and behavioural problems in a cohort of adolescents with a history of infant colic (IC), as defined by Wessel's criteria.

Methods: 388 adolescents, aged 15-18 years, who participated in a randomised controlled trial for infants with colic, were invited for our observational follow-up study. Prevalence of FGIDs was assessed with the Rome IV Questionnaire on Paediatric Gastrointestinal Disorders (RIV-QPGD), HRQOL through self-report of the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), and behavioural problems through parent-report of the child behaviour checklist (CBCL).