Background: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are prevalent in children, accounting for 5-10% of pediatrician visits. FGID can seriously diminish individual’s quality of life and is related to adult IBS.
Methods: A retrospective chart review of children referred to a multidisciplinary clinic for childhood FGID during 1.2010-12.2013, and treated traditionally or a combination with alternative medicine approaches (hypnotherapy, acupuncture, homeopathic treatment), followed for at least 3 months. Psychotherapy was offered as needed. Outcomes included improvement or disappearance of symptoms.
Results: 125 patients were screened, 26 excluded due to short follow up, 99 included: 38 (38.3%) with abdominal pain-related FGID (group 1), age 15.7±4.9 years, and 61(61.6%) with functional constipation, age 9.1±14.2 (group 2). In group 2- 25(41%) had constipation, 16(26.6%) encopresis, and 20(32.8%) both. All patients were referred after failing previous treatment. Alternative treatment modalities included: Group 1- 27 patients treated: 55.2% hypnotherapy, 31.6% acupuncture, 5.2% homeopathic treatment and 15.8% concomitant psychotherapy. Group 2- 41 patients treated: hypnotherapy 14.7%, acupuncture 21.3%, homeopathic treatment 19.6%, and 37.7% psychotherapy. Stool softeners/ behavioral therapy were used in group 2, and medical treatment in group 1 prior to other modalities.
Mean follow up was 10.9±8.95 and 9.8±12 months in group 1 and 2, respectively. In group 1- symptoms resolution was achieved in 3 patients (8%), improvement in 21(55%), failure in 2(5.2%). In group 2- resolution of symptoms was achieved in 8(13%), 29(47.7%) markedly improved, and 4(6.5%) failed treatment.
Conclusion: Alternative treatment methods integrated with conventional methods are beneficial in treatment of FGID in children.
