Prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders in Saudi infants and toddlers: A cross-sectional multicenter study.

Background: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common pediatric problems, but their prevalence in Saudi Arabia is unknown. We aimed to assess the prevalence of FGIDs and risk factors among children in six regions of Saudi Arabia.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional multicenter study enrolling children aged 0-48 months, attending pediatric clinics.

Saudi Experts Consensus on Diagnosis and Management of Pediatric Functional Constipation.

Although functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are very common in pediatric patients, there is a scarcity of published epidemiologic data, characteristics, and management patterns from Saudi Arabia, which is the 2nd largest Arabic country in terms of area and the 6th largest Arabic country in terms of population, with 10% of its population aged <5 years. Functional constipation (FC) is an FGID that has shown a rising prevalence among Saudi infants and children in the last few years, which urges us to update our clinical practices. Nine pediatric consultants attended two advisory board meetings to discuss and address current challenges, provide solutions, and reach a Saudi national consensus for the management of pediatric constipation.

Prevalence of nutritional disorders in Saudi children with inflammatory bowel disease based on the national growth reference.

Background And Study Aim: The prevalence of nutritional disorders in Saudi children with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) has been reported using the World Health Organization (WHO) reference. Our aim was to provide more accurate definition of the prevalence of nutritional impairment in Saudi children with IBDs based on the national growth reference and to demonstrate the effect of using a reference from other populations on the prevalence rates.

Patients And Methods: Weight, height, and body mass index data, from the multicenter study of IBDs in Saudi children and adolescents, were plotted on the new Saudi national growth reference.

Correlation between serum leptin and its gene expression to the anthropometric measures in overweight and obese children.

Obesity is a multifactor disorder with evidence supporting the role of the genetic factor in its etiology. The present study evaluates the relationship between leptin G2548A (rs7799039) and leptin receptors (Gln223Arg (rs1137101) genotyping and its leptin level and the risk of childhood obesity. This case-control study was conducted on 168 overweight and obese Saudi children and 126 non obese one served as control.

Cardiac functions assessment in children with celiac disease and its correlation with the degree of mucosal injury: Doppler tissue imaging study.

Background/aims: Celiac disease (CD)-associated cardiologic disorders is a growing concern. However, data regarding cardiac affection in children with CD are few. This study aimed at assessing the subclinical impact of CD on the global myocardial performance in Saudi children with CD using Doppler tissue imaging (DTI).