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Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus characterized by symptoms of esophageal dysfunction and histologically by predominantly eosinophilic infiltration of the squamous epithelium. European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) published a guideline in 2014; however, the rapid evolution of knowledge about pathophysiology, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic options have made an update necessary. A consensus group of pediatric gastroenterologists from the ESPGHAN Working Group on Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Diseases (ESPGHAN EGID WG) reviewed the recent literature and proposed statements and recommendations on 28 relevant questions about EoE. A comprehensive electronic literature search was performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from 2014 to 2022. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was used to assess the quality of evidence and formulate recommendations. A total of 52 statements based on the available evidence and 44 consensus-based recommendations are available. A revision of the diagnostic protocol, options for initial drug treatment, and the new concept of simplified empiric elimination diets are now available. Biologics are becoming a part of the potential armamentarium for refractory EoE, and systemic steroids may be considered as the initial treatment for esophageal strictures before esophageal dilation. The importance and assessment of quality of life and a planned transition to adult medical care are new areas addressed in this guideline. Research in recent years has led to a better understanding of childhood EoE. This guideline incorporates the new findings and provides a practical guide for clinicians treating children diagnosed with EoE. There is a discrepancy between symptoms and endoscopic and histologic features.Allergy testing is of no value in deciding which foods to eliminate.Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) may cause esophageal stenosis even in pediatric patients.Maintenance therapy after induction is necessary There is a discrepancy between symptoms and endoscopic and histologic features. Allergy testing is of no value in deciding which foods to eliminate. Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) may cause esophageal stenosis even in pediatric patients. Maintenance therapy after induction is necessary Validated tools are available for assessing symptoms and quality of life and should be incorporated in the management of children with EoE.Systemic steroids may be helpful in the treatment of severe esophageal strictures.A discrepancy between eosinophil depletion and symptomatic improvement requires reassessment of non-eosinophil-dependent inflammation.Implementation of programs for transition to adult care must be considered and started well before patients reach adulthood. Validated tools are available for assessing symptoms and quality of life and should be incorporated in the management of children with EoE. Systemic steroids may be helpful in the treatment of severe esophageal strictures. A discrepancy between eosinophil depletion and symptomatic improvement requires reassessment of non-eosinophil-dependent inflammation. Implementation of programs for transition to adult care must be considered and started well before patients reach adulthood.

The recent advisory issued by the United States Food and Drug Administration, cautioning against the routine administration of probiotics in preterm neonates, has sparked a lively debate within the scientific community. This commentary presents a perspective from members of the Special Interest Group on Gut Microbiota and Modifications within the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and other authors who contributed to the ESPGHAN position paper on probiotics for preterm infants, as well as representatives from the European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants. We advocate for a more nuanced and supportive approach to the use of certain probiotics in this vulnerable population, balancing the demonstrated benefits and risks.

Prebiotics are substrates that are selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit. Compared to probiotics there are few studies with prebiotics in children. Most studies have been performed using infant formula supplemented with prebiotics, while add‐on prebiotic supplementation as prevention or treatment of childhood gastrointestinal disorders has rarely been reported. The aim of this position paper was to summarize evidence and make recommendations for prebiotic supplementation in children with gastrointestinal diseases. Recommendations made are based on publications up to January 1, 2023. Within the scope of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition Special Interest Group on Gut Microbiota and Modifications, as in our previous biotic recommendations, at least two randomized controlled clinical trials were required for recommendation. There are some studies showing benefits of prebiotics on selected outcomes; however, we cannot give any positive recommendations for supplementing prebiotics in children with gastrointestinal disorders. Prebiotics are substrates that are selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit.Previously some health benefits of prebiotics have been suggested. Prebiotics are substrates that are selectively utilized by host microorganisms conferring a health benefit. Previously some health benefits of prebiotics have been suggested. No recommendation for the use of prebiotics to prevent morbidity in preterm infants, infantile colic, acute infectious diarrhea, Helicobacter pylori infection, functional constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and allergic disorders can be made.In children with irritable bowel syndrome, healthcare providers may recommend psyllium supplementation (low‐grade of recommendation).There is a need for more randomized‐placebo controlled studies that would use the same type of prebiotic for a specific clinical condition in children and adolescents. No recommendation for the use of prebiotics to prevent morbidity in preterm infants, infantile colic, acute infectious diarrhea, Helicobacter pylori infection, functional constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, and allergic disorders can be made. In children with irritable bowel syndrome, healthcare providers may recommend psyllium supplementation (low‐grade of recommendation). There is a need for more randomized‐placebo controlled studies that would use the same type of prebiotic for a specific clinical condition in children and adolescents.

Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders beyond eosinophilic esophagitis (non‐EoE EGIDs) are rare chronic inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Diagnosis is based on clinical symptoms and histologic findings of eosinophilic inflammation after exclusion of a secondary cause or systemic disease. Currently, no guidelines exist for the evaluation of non‐EoE EGIDs. Therefore, the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) formed a task force group to provide consensus guidelines for childhood non‐EoE EGIDs. The working group was composed of pediatric gastroenterologists, adult gastroenterologists, allergists/immunologists, and pathologists. An extensive electronic literature search of the MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases was conducted up to February 2022. General methodology was used in the formulation of recommendations according to the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system to meet current standards of evidence assessment. The guidelines provide information on the current concept of non‐EoE EGIDs, disease pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic and disease surveillance procedures, and current treatment options. Thirty‐four statements based on available evidence and 41 recommendations based on expert opinion and best clinical practices were developed. Non‐EoE EGIDsliterature is limited in scope and depth, making clear recommendations difficult. These consensus‐based clinical practice guidelines are intended to assist clinicians caring for children affected by non‐EoE EGIDsand to facilitate high‐quality randomized controlled trials of various treatment modalities using standardized, uniform disease definitions.

Probiotics, defined as live microorganisms that, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host, are widely used despite uncertainty regarding their efficacy and discordant recommendations about their use. The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Special Interest Group on Gut Microbiota and Modifications provides updated recommendations for the use of probiotics for the management of selected pediatric gastrointestinal disorders. All systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses, as well as subsequently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) (until December 2021), that compared the use of probiotics in all delivery vehicles and formulations, at any dose, with no probiotic (ie, placebo or no treatment), were eligible for inclusion. The recommendations were formulated only if at least 2 RCTs on a similar well-defined probiotic strain were available. The modified Delphi process was used to establish consensus on the recommendations. Recommendations for the use of specific probiotic strains were made for the management of acute gastroenteritis, prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea, nosocomial diarrhea and necrotizing enterocolitis, management of Helicobacter pyloriinfection, and management of functional abdominal pain disorders and infant colic. Despite evidence to support the use of specific probiotics in some clinical situations, further studies confirming the effect(s) and defining the type, dose, and timing of probiotics are still often required. The use of probiotics with no documented health benefits should be discouraged.

Synbiotics are a mixture comprising of live microorganisms and substrate(s) selectively utilized by host microorganisms that confers a health benefit on the host. There is an increasing number of studies investigating their role in different diseases and disorders. The purpose of this article is to provide recommendations for the use of synbiotics in the management of pediatric gastrointestinal disorders. The recommendations are developed by the ESPGHAN Special Interest Group on Gut Microbiota and Modifications. From existing literature databases, we searched and appraised all systematic reviews and/or meta-analyses, and subsequently published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the use of synbiotics, in all delivery vehicles and formulations, at any dose, compared to no synbiotics. Synbiotics which are part of infant formula were not assessed. The recommendations were formulated only if at least 2 RCTs that used a well-defined synbiotic were available. Based on the currently available evidence, no recommendation can be formulated in favor or against the use of evaluated synbiotic combination in the treatment of acute gastroenteritis, prevention of necrotizing enterocolitis, Helicobacter pyloriinfection, inflammatory bowel disease, functional gastrointestinal disorders, and allergy in infants and children. There is a need for more, well-designed RCTs on the role of synbiotics in gastrointestinal disorders with the same outcome measures to enable the inter-studies comparisons.

Few pediatric data on phenotypic aspects of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are available. The pEEr registry was developed to prospectively characterize children with EoE from Europe and Israel. pEEr is an ongoing prospective registry enrolling children with esophageal eosinophilia (=15 eos/HPF). Anonymized data were collected from 19 pediatric centers. Data regarding demographics, clinical manifestations, endoscopy, histology, and therapies were collected. A total of 582 subjects (61% male) were analyzed. The median age at diagnosis was 10.5 years [interquartile range (IQR): 5.7–17.7], whereas the age at symptom onset was 9.2 years (IQR: 4.3–16.4), resulting in a median diagnostic delay of 1.2 years (IQR: 0.7–2.3). The diagnostic delay was longer below age <6 years. Shorter diagnostic delays were associated with the presence of food allergy or a family history for EoE. Symptoms varied by age with dysphagia and food impaction more common in adolescents, while vomiting and failure to thrive more common in younger children (P< 0.001). Among endoscopic findings, esophageal rings were more common in adolescents, whereas exudates were more frequent in younger children(P< 0.001). Patients who responded to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) were more likely to be older, males, and less often presented severe endoscopic findings. Patients unresponsive to PPIs received topical steroids (40%), elimination diet (41%), or a combined therapy (19%). EoE findings vary according to age in pediatric EoE. Young children are commonly characterized by non-specific symptoms, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and inflammatory endoscopic lesions. Adolescents usually have dysphagia or food impaction, fibrostenotic lesions, and a better PPI response.

Disease-related malnutrition is common in patients with chronic diseases and has detrimental effects, therefore, skills in nutrition care are essential core competencies for paediatric digestive medicine. The aim of this survey, conducted as part of a global survey of paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition (PGHN) training in Europe, was to assess nutrition care-related infrastructure, staff, and patient volumes in European PGHN training centres. Standardized questionnaires related to clinical nutrition (CN) care were completed by representatives of European PGHN training centres between June 2016 and December 2019. One hundred training centres from 17 European countries, Turkey, and Israel participated in the survey. Dedicated CN clinics exist in 66% of the centres, with fulltime and part-time CN specialists in 66% and 42%, respectively. Home tube feeding (HTF) andhome parenteral nutrition (HPN) programmes are in place in 95% and 77% of centres, respectively. Twenty-four percent of centres do not have a dedicated dietitian and 55% do not have a dedicated pharmacist attached to the training centre. Even the largest centres with >5000 outpatients reported that 25% and 50%, respectively do not have a dedicated dietitian or pharmacist. Low patient numbers on HTF and HPN of <5 annually are reported by 13% and 43% of centres, respectively. The survey shows clear differences and deficits in Clinical Nutrition training infrastructure, including staff and patient volumes, in European PGHN training centres, leading to large differences and limitations in training opportunities in Clinical Nutrition.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are amongst the most commonly prescribed drugs in infants and children with the last decades witnessing a dramatic rise in their utilization. Although PPIs are clearly effective when used appropriately and have been regarded as safe drugs, there is growing evidence regarding their potential adverse effects. Although, largely based on adult data it is clear that many of these are also relevant to pediatrics. PPI use potentially affects gastrointestinal microbiota composition and function, decreases defence against pathogens resulting in increased risk for infections, interferes with absorption of minerals and vitamins leading to specific deficiencies and increased risk for bone fractures as well as interferes with protein digestion resulting in increased risk of sensitization to allergens and development of allergic diseases and eosinophilic esophagitis. An association with gastric, liver and pancreatic cancer has also been inferred from adult data but is tenuous and causation is not proven. Overall, evidence for these adverse events is patchy and not always compelling. Overall, the use of PPIs, for selected indications with a good evidence base, has significant potential benefit but carries more caution in infants and children. Pediatricians should be aware of the concerns regarding the potential adverse events associated with their use.

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The aim of the study was to review the evidence regarding the clinical use and value of fecal calprotectin (FC) measurements in different gastrointestinal disorders in children. A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases until October 31, 2019. Subtopics were identified and each assigned to individual authors. A total of 28 recommendations were voted on using the nominal voting technique. Recommendations are given related to sampling, measurement methods, and results interpretation. The 14 authors anonymously voted on each recommendation using a 9-point scale (1 strongly disagree to 9 fully agree). Consensus was considered achieved if at least 75% of the authors voted 6, 7, 8, or 9. Consensus was reached for all recommendations. Limitations for the use of FC in clinical practice include variability in extraction methodology, performance of test kits as well as the need to establish local reference ranges because of the influence of individual factors, such as age, diet, microbiota, and drugs. The main utility of FC measurement at present is in the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as to differentiate it from functional gastrointestinal disorders (FAPDs). FC, however, has neither utility in the diagnosis of infantile colic nor to differentiate between functional and organic constipation. A rise in FC concentration, may alert to the risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis and help identifying gastrointestinal involvement in children with Henoch-Schönlein purpura. FC measurement is of little value in Cow's Milk Protein Allergy, coeliac disease (CD), and cystic fibrosis. FC does neither help to distinguish bacterial from viral acute gastroenteritis (AGE), nor to diagnose Helicobacter Pyloriinfection, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), acute appendicitis (AA), or intestinal polyps.

The main aim of this study was to determine the impact on clinical practice of the first European Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) position paper on the diagnosis and management of nutritional and gastrointestinal problems in children with neurological impairment (NI). In this pilot-study, a web-based questionnaire was distributed between November, 2019 and June, 2020, amongst ESPGHAN members using the ESPGHAN newsletter. Fifteen questions covered the most relevant aspects on nutritional management and gastrointestinal issues of children with NI. A descriptive analysis of responses was performed. A total of 150 health professionals from 23 countries responded to the survey. A considerable variation in clinical practice concerning many aspects of nutritional and gastrointestinal management of children with NI was observed. The most frequently used method for diagnosing oropharyngeal dysfunction was the direct observation of meals with or without the use of standardised scores (n = 103). Anthropometric measurements were the most commonly used tools for assessing nutritional status (n = 111). The best treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was considered to be proton pump inhibitor therapy by most (n = 116) participants. Regarding tube feeding, nearly all respondents (n = 114) agreed that gastrostomy is the best enteral access to be used for long-term enteral feeding. Fundoplication was indicated at the time of gastrostomy placement especially in case of uncontrolled GERD. More studies are required to address open questions on adequate management of children with NI. Identifying knowledge gaps paves the way for developing updated recommendations and improving patient care.

Since the publication of the 2014 European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition Working Group (WG) on Probiotics and Prebiotics guidelines for the management of acute gastroenteritis (AGE), new evidence concerning the efficacy of probiotics has become available. This document provides updated recommendations on the use of probiotics for the treatment of AGE in previously presumed healthy infants and children. A systematic literature search was performed. All pooled analyses were explicitly performed for the current report. The WG graded the recommendations and assessed the certainty of the supporting evidence using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment Development, and Evaluations tool. The recommendations were formulated if at least 2 randomized controlled trials that used a given probiotic were available. Despite the large number of identified trials, the WG could not identify 2 randomized controlled trial of high quality for any strain that provided benefit when used for treating AGE. The WG made weakrecommendations for(in descending order in terms of the number of trials evaluating any given strain): Saccharomyces boulardii(low to very low certainty of evidence); Lactobacillus rhamnosusGG (very low certainty of evidence); L reuteriDSM 17938 (low to very low certainty of evidence); and L rhamnosus19070-2 and L reuteriDSM 12246 (very low certainty of evidence). The WG made a strongrecommendation against L helveticusR0052 and L rhamnosusR0011 (moderate certainty of evidence) and a weakrecommendation against Bacillus clausiistrains O/C, SIN, N/R, and T (very low certainty of evidence).

Thiopurines, alone or in combination with other agents, have a pivotal role in the treatment of specific gastrointestinal and hepatological disorders. In inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune hepatitis thiopurines have proven their value as steroid sparing agents for the maintenance of remission and may be considered for preventing postoperative Crohn disease recurrence where there is moderate risk of this occurring. Their use with infliximab therapy reduces antibody formation and increases biologic drug levels. The routine clinical use of thiopurines has, however, been questioned due to a number of potential adverse effects. The aim of this article is to provide information regarding the use, and in particular, safety of these agents in clinical practice in the light of such potentially severe, albeit rare, effects.

More than 10,000 preterm infants have participated in randomised controlled trials on probiotics worldwide, suggesting that probiotics in general could reduce rates of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, and mortality. Answers to relevant clinical questions as to which strain to use, at what dosage, and how long to supplement are, however, not available. On the other hand, an increasing number of commercial products containing probiotics are available from sometimes suboptimal quality. Also, a large number of units around the world are routinely offering probiotic supplementation as the standard of care despite lacking solid evidence. Our recent network meta-analysis identified probiotic strains with greatest efficacy regarding relevant clinical outcomes for preterm neonates. Efficacy in reducing mortality and morbidity was found for only a minority of the studied strains or combinations. In the present position paper, we aim to provide advice, which specific strains might potentially be used and which strains should not be used. In addition, we aim to address safety issues of probiotic supplementation to preterm infants, who have reduced immunological capacities and occasional indwelling catheters. For example, quality reassurance of the probiotic product is essential, probiotic strains should be devoid of transferable antibiotic resistance genes, and local microbiologists should be able to routinely detect probiotic sepsis. Provided all safety issues are met, there is currently a conditional recommendation (with low certainty of evidence) to provide either Lactobacillus rhamnosusGG ATCC53103 or the combination of Bifidobacterium infantisBb-02, Bifidobacterium lactisBb-12, and Streptococcus thermophilusTH-4 in order to reduce NEC rates.

Recommendations for diagnosing and treating eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) are evolving; however, information on real world clinical practice is lacking. To assess the practices of pediatric gastroenterologists diagnosing and treating EoE and to identify the triggering allergens in European children. Retrospective anonymized data were collected from 26 European pediatric gastroenterology centers in 13 countries. Inclusion criteria were: Patients diagnosis with EoE, completed investigations prescribed by the treating physician, and were on stable medical or dietary interventions. In total, 410 patients diagnosed between December 1999 and June 2016 were analyzed, 76.3% boys. The time from symptoms to diagnosis was 12 ± 33.5 months and age at diagnosis was 8.9 ± 4.75 years. The most frequent indications for endoscopy were: dysphagia (38%), gastroesophageal reflux (31.2%), bolus impaction (24.4%), and failure to thrive (10.5%). Approximately 70.3% had failed proton pump inhibitor treatment. The foods found to be causative of EoE by elimination and rechallenge were milk (42%), egg (21.5%), wheat/gluten (10.9%), and peanut (9.9%). Elimination diets were used exclusively in 154 of 410 (37.5%), topical steroids without elimination diets in 52 of 410 (12.6%), both diet and steroids in 183 of 410 (44.6%), systemic steroids in 22 of 410 (5.3%), and esophageal dilation in 7 of 410 (1.7%). Patient refusal, shortage of endoscopy time, and reluctance to perform multiple endoscopies per patient were noted as factors justifying deviation from guidelines. In this “real world” pediatric European cohort, milk and egg were the most common allergens triggering EoE. Although high-dose proton pump inhibitor trials have increased, attempted PPI treatment is not universal.

Acute diarrhoea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the paediatric population. Racecadotril is an antisecretory drug recommended as an adjuvant antidiarrhoeal treatment. In the small bowel, the enzyme neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibits the action of enkephalins, which prevent water and electrolyte hypersecretion. By inhibiting NEP, racecadotril allows enkephalins to exhibit their antisecretory effects. Consequently, racecadotril reduces the secretion of water and electrolytes in the small intestine, without having an effect on intestinal motility. No serious adverse events related to racecadotril have been reported. Racecadotril has proven its efficacy as an adjuvant antidiarrhoeal drug with a good safety profile. Its addition to oral rehydration solution (ORS) appears clinically beneficial and potentially leads to health care savings.

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This document provides recommendations developed by the ESPGHAN Working Group on Probiotics and Prebiotics on the role of probiotics in the prevention of nosocomial diarrhea in children based on a systematic review of previously completed systematic reviews and of subsequently published randomized controlled trials. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines. Recommendations were given only if at least 2 randomized controlled trials examined the same probiotic strain. Based on currently available evidence the Working Group recommends using Lactobacillus rhamnosusGG if the use of probiotics for preventing nosocomial diarrhea in children is considered.

Feeding difficulties are frequent in children with neurological impairments and can be associated with undernutrition, growth failure, micronutrients deficiencies, osteopenia, and nutritional comorbidities. Gastrointestinal problems including gastroesophageal reflux disease, constipation, and dysphagia are also frequent in this population and affect quality of life and nutritional status. There is currently a lack of a systematic approach to the care of these patients. With this report, European Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition aims to develop uniform guidelines for the management of the gastroenterological and nutritional problems in children with neurological impairment. Thirty-one clinical questions addressing the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of common gastrointestinal and nutritional problems in neurological impaired children were formulated. Questions aimed to assess the nutritional management including nutritional status, identifying undernutrition, monitoring nutritional status, and defining nutritional requirements; to classify gastrointestinal issues including oropharyngeal dysfunctions, motor and sensory function, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and constipation; to evaluate the indications for nutritional rehabilitation including enteral feeding and percutaneous gastrostomy/jejunostomy; to define indications for surgical interventions (eg, Nissen Fundoplication, esophagogastric disconnection); and finally to consider ethical issues related to digestive and nutritional problems in the severely neurologically impaired children. A systematic literature search was performed from 1980 to October 2015 using MEDLINE. The approach of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was applied to evaluate the outcomes. During 2 consensus meetings, all recommendations were discussed and finalized. The group members voted on each recommendation using the nominal voting technique. Expert opinion was applied to support the recommendations where no randomized controlled trials were available.

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Probiotics have been proposed for a number of indications ranging from the hypothetical long-term immunomodulatory effects to proven benefits in the management of different clinical conditions. An increasing number of commercial products containing probiotics are available. In those products, irrespective if it is food, food supplement, medical food, or drug, the probiotic microorganisms have to be present in a sufficient number by the end of the shelf-life, to pass through the gastrointestinal tract resisting acid and bile, to colonize the gut, and to retain functional properties required to obtain the suggested beneficial effect. Finally, it should be contamination-free. Studies organized worldwide and summarized in this article have shown that inconsistencies and deviations from the information provided on the product label are surprisingly common. Frequently strains are misidentified and misclassified, products are occasionally contaminated, sometimes with even facultative or obligatory pathogens, strains are not viable, the labeled number of colonies cannot be verified, or the functional properties are diminished to the extent that preclude the proposed health benefit. As the probiotic preparations are commonly used for a wide range of conditions, the aim of the Working Group was to summarize results of the studies looking into the quality of the probiotic products and to raise the awareness of the important issue of their quality control. Based on the results obtained, we strongly suggest a more stringent quality control process. This process should ensure that the probiotic content as mentioned on the label meets the actual content throughout the shelf life of the product, while no contamination is present.

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Childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common conditions associated with significant morbidity and high healthcare costs. This multicenter study aimed at assessing the clinical approach to infants (0–6 months) and children/adolescents (4–18 years) with suspected FGIDs by pediatricians from the Mediterranean Area. A survey evaluating the diagnostic approach, including the use of Rome II and III criteria, and the therapeutic management of some of the most prevalent FGIDs, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), functional constipation (FC), and functional regurgitation (FR), was distributed to a sample of pediatricians. We collected 278 questionnaires from 9 countries (Croatia, Greece, Israel, Italy, Lebanon, Montenegro, Serbia, Slovenia, and Spain). Rome III criteria are used to diagnose FC by 28.8%. Treatment of FC is based on dietary modifications (97.5%) and osmotic laxatives (93.5%). Rome III criteria are used to diagnose FR by 22.3% of the responders, in contrast to 79.5% who rely on personal experience for diagnosis. Reported treatments mainly consist of reassurance (96.8%) and thickened feedings (77.3%). Nevertheless, 21.2% prescribe proton pump inhibitors or H2-blockers to infants with FR. Rome III criteria are used to diagnose IBS by only 25.9%. Moreover, 86% of the pediatricians base IBS therapy on the predominant symptom. The most prescribed treatments are analgesics (36.6%) for pain control, dietary advice (41.5%) for diarrhea-predominant IBS, and dietary advice (47.8%) for constipation-predominant IBS. Our data show that the use of Rome III diagnostic criteria is not sufficiently widespread among pediatricians, and that large variability remains in the management of FGIDs within the different Mediterranean countries surveyed.

This guideline refers to infants, children, and adolescents ages 0 to 18 years. The areas covered include indications for diagnostic and therapeutic esophagogastroduodenoscopy and ileocolonoscopy; endoscopy for foreign body ingestion; corrosive ingestion and stricture/stenosis endoscopic management; upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding; endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography; and endoscopic ultrasonography. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and endoscopy specific to inflammatory bowel disease has been dealt with in other guidelines and are therefore not mentioned in this guideline. Training and ongoing skill maintenance are to be dealt with in an imminent sister publication to this.

The aim of the study was to investigate morphological and functional characteristics of oesophageal epithelial barrier in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) with or without gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) in comparison to healthy controls. Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy with oesophageal biopsies and combined oesophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance-pH monitoring was performed in 17 children with CF (CFtot) with (CFgord) or without GORD (CFnorm). Histological combined severity score was calculated and widths of spaces between epithelial cells were measured. Basal impedance value was used to assess functional integrity of epithelial barrier. Results of each investigation were compared with a group of children without oesophageal disease. CFtot, but also CFnorm, had more severe pathohistological changes included in the compound severity score than controls (0.75?±?0.32 and 0.75?±?0.20 vs 0.27?±?0.25; P?

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This article provides recommendations, developed by the Working Group (WG) on Probiotics of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, for the use of probiotics for the prevention of antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) in children based on a systematic review of previously completed systematic reviews and of randomized controlled trials published subsequently to these reviews. The use of probiotics for the treatment of AAD is not covered. The recommendations were formulated only if at least 2 randomized controlled trials that used a given probiotic (with strain specification) were available. The quality of evidence (QoE) was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation guidelines. If the use of probiotics for preventing AAD is considered because of the existence of risk factors such as class of antibiotic(s), duration of antibiotic treatment, age, need for hospitalization, comorbidities, or previous episodes of AAD diarrhea, the WG recommends using Lactobacillus rhamnosusGG (moderate QoE, strong recommendation) or Saccharomyces boulardii(moderate QoE, strong recommendation). If the use of probiotics for preventing Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea is considered, the WG suggests using S boulardii(low QoE, conditional recommendation). Other strains or combinations of strains have been tested, but sufficient evidence is still lacking.

Background. Dietary assessment in clinical practice is performed by means of computer support, either in the form of a web-based tool or software. The aim of the paper is to present the results of the comparison of a Slovenian web-based tool with German software for the evaluation of four-day weighted paper-andpencil- based dietary records (paper-DRs) in pregnant women.

According to international guidelines, polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the laxative of first choice in the treatment of functional constipation in children, both for disimpaction and for maintenance treatment. PEG acts as an osmotic laxative and its efficacy is dose dependent. PEG is highly effective, has a good safety profile, and is well tolerated by children. Only minor adverse events have been reported. Overall the use of PEG in children has been reported to be safe, although in patients predisposed to water and electrolyte imbalances monitoring of serum electrolytes should be considered.

According to a recent survey, the 2009 North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition–European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition gastroesophageal reflux guidelines are poorly adhered to by European primary care pediatricians. The main issue raised from the survey was the prescription of unnecessary acid suppressive medications, especially in infants. No inquiry into the reasons was made. The primary objective of the present study was to assess the applicability of the guidelines in European primary care pediatricians undergoing specific trainings. One hundred pediatricians involved in the previous survey agreed to participate and were randomly divided into 2 groups: one group was trained in the guidelines through an online podcast and the other group was trained through a synopsis. During the following 3 months, each involved pediatrician was asked to enroll every consecutive infant, child, or adolescent with suggestive reflux symptoms. For every enrolled patient, pediatricians filled in a report concerning their diagnostic and therapeutic choices. A total of 382 patients (boys/girls 186/196, infants/children/adolescents 194/123/65) were enrolled by pediatricians. Infants with unexplained crying and/or distressed behavior who were prescribed proton-pump inhibitors were 3.7% compared with 45.2% of the survey data obtained before the training (P< 0.05). Infants with uncomplicated recurrent regurgitation and vomiting who were prescribed proton-pump inhibitors were 4.5% against 37.1% of the baseline survey data (P< 0.05). The overall rate of children managed in full compliance with the guidelines was 46.1% after the training compared with 1.8% before the training (P< 0.05). No significant differences were seen between pediatricians from podcast and synopsis group. The North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition–European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition gastroesophageal reflux guidelines have good applicability, despite that they are presently poorly adhered to by European primary care pediatricians. Simple, inexpensive trainings were proven to be effective in increasing adherence by pediatricians. The increase in compliance clearly favors the role of continuous medical education through simple educational tools and subsequent assessment of practice.

According to a recent survey, the 2009 North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition–European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition gastroesophageal reflux guidelines are poorly adhered to by European primary care pediatricians. The main issue raised from the survey was the prescription of unnecessary acid suppressive medications, especially in infants. No inquiry into the reasons was made. The primary objective of the present study was to assess the applicability of the guidelines in European primary care pediatricians undergoing specific trainings.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the current implementation of the 2009 North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition-European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition guidelines, and to assess proton pump inhibitors’ (PPIs) prescribing patterns among pediatricians from different European countries.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the current implementation of the 2009 North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition-European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition guidelines, and to assess proton pump inhibitors' (PPIs) prescribing patterns among pediatricians from different European countries. A randomly identified sample of general pediatricians distributed across 11 European countries. They were asked to complete a case report–structured questionnaire investigating their approaches to infants, children, and adolescents with symptoms suggestive of gastroesophageal reflux. A total of 567 European general pediatricians completed the study questionnaire. Only 1.8% of them showed complete adherence to the guidelines. Forty-six percent of them reported that they diagnose gastroesophageal reflux disease based on clinical symptoms irrespective of the age of the child; 39% prescribe PPIs in infants with unexplained crying and/or distressed behavior and 36% prescribe PPIs in infants with uncomplicated recurrent regurgitation and vomiting; 48% prescribed PPIs in children younger than 8 to 12 years with vomiting and heartburn, without specific testing; 45% discontinue PPI therapy abruptly rather than tapering the dose. The overall rate of pediatricians overprescribing PPIs was 82%. The overall results of our survey show that the majority of pediatricians are unaware of 2009 North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition-European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition reflux guidelines and often prescribe PPIs despite a lack of efficacy for the symptoms being treated. The overdiagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease places undue burden on both families and national health systems, which has not been affected by the publication of international guidelines.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its subgroups in children in northeastern Slovenia (NE Slovenia) during the period 2002–2010, and to assess the phenotypic characteristics at the diagnosis and during the follow-up.

The purpose of the present study was to determine the incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its subgroups in children in northeastern Slovenia (NE Slovenia) during the period 2002–2010, and to assess the phenotypic characteristics at the diagnosis and during the follow-up. A retrospective investigation was conducted on a cohort of newly diagnosed children and adolescents with IBD ages 0 to 18 years between 2002 and 2010 and residing in NE Slovenia. The phenotypic characteristics were determined at presentation and during follow-up. The location of Crohn disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) was assessed according to the Paris classification at diagnosis, and later in patients who had a follow-up period >2 years. The type of therapy at diagnosis and during follow-up, and the need for surgery were determined. The study covered approximately one-third of the total pediatric population (0–18 years). In total, 107 cases of IBD were diagnosed during the study period. The mean annual incidence (per 100,000) was 7.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 6.3–9.2) for all IBD, 4.6 (95% CI 3.6–5.9) for CD, and 2.8 (95% CI 1.9–3.8) for UC. The incidences of total IBD, CD, and UC increased from 5.7 (3.8–8.2), 3.9 (2.3–6.1), and 1.8 (0.8–3.5) in the period 2002–2004, respectively, to 8.9 (6.3–12.2), 5.0 (3.1–7.6), and 3.4 (1.9–5.6) in the period 2008–2010, respectively. During the follow-up, the proportion of complicated CD disease behavior (stricturing/penetrating) had doubled. A total of 18.5% of patients with CD underwent bowel surgery. The incidence of childhood IBD in the northeastern part of the country is high and comparable with that reported from the developed western countries of Europe, and is probably still increasing. This increase may be the result of changes in the lifestyle, especially in dietary habits during the last 20 years.

Numerous publications on sedation of and anaesthesia for diagnostic procedures in children prove that no ideal scheme is available. Therefore, we decided to study the protocol with midazolam and ketamine used by nonanaesthetists at our institution. The study aimed to establish the lowest effective starting dose of ketamine and to estimate a difference in the frequency of adverse reactions with or without the use of midazolam as premedication, with special stress on emergence reactions.

Numerous publications on sedation of and anaesthesia for diagnostic procedures in children prove that no ideal scheme is available. Therefore, we decided to study the protocol with midazolam and ketamine used by nonanaesthetists at our institution. The study aimed to establish the lowest effective starting dose of ketamine and to estimate a difference in the frequency of adverse reactions with or without the use of midazolam as premedication, with special stress on emergence reactions. During 1 year we prospectively randomised children scheduled for gastrointestinal endoscopies to a first group with and to a second group without midazolam premedication. The starting ketamine dose was increased until the appropriate dissociative state was reached. Physiological functions were closely monitored and adverse reactions noted. The median age of 201 analysed patients (111 girls, 90 boys) was 8.2 years. The median starting dose of ketamine was 0.97 mg/kg (the group with midazolam premedication) and 0.99 mg/kg TT (without midazolam premedication). Laryngospasm was observed in 6 patients without statistical difference between the 2 groups. All of the adverse reactions were short lasting; they resolved by symptomatic treatment without complications. Emergence reactions during the observation period at the hospital occurred more often in the group sedated with ketamine without midazolam premedication (P= 0.02). The sedation protocol with ketamine is safe and efficient. The starting dose of ketamine should be at least 1 mg/kg. There is an advantage to the use of midazolam as premedication before ketamine in paediatric patients because the frequency of emergence reactions in hospital was reduced compared with sole ketamine use.

Although infection with Helicobacter pyloriin children mostly induces asymptomatic chronic gastritis, the clinical outcome of H pyloriinfection is generally unpredictable. To identify the risk subgroup of infected children who can progress toward serious gastrointestinal disease, we assessed the prevalence of H pylorivirulence genes cagA, vacA, and iceAin children from southeastern Europe and correlated their presence with the severity of histological changes in the stomach.

Although infection with Helicobacter pyloriin children mostly induces asymptomatic chronic gastritis, the clinical outcome of H pyloriinfection is generally unpredictable. To identify the risk subgroup of infected children who can progress toward serious gastrointestinal disease, we assessed the prevalence of H pylorivirulence genes cagA, vacA, and iceAin children from southeastern Europe and correlated their presence with the severity of histological changes in the stomach. A total of 165 children (age range 4–18 years, mean 13 years) with H pyloriinfection were studied for a 6-year period. Virulence genes were determined by polymerase chain reaction from biopsy samples. The cagAgene was present in 61.2% of patients. The predominant vacAgenotype was s1m1(42%), followed by s1m2(28%), and s2m2(24%). IceAgenotypes iceA1and iceA2were detected in 62% and 31% of the samples, respectively. Multiple genotypes were found in 11.5% of isolates. The H pyloridensity score, the degree of chronic and acute inflammation, correlated with a cagA-positive status (P< 0.01, P< 0.01, P= 0.01, respectively). Higher bacterial infiltration (P< 0.01) and degree of chronic inflammation (P= 0.03) were detected in vacA s1–positive samples. CagA, vacA s1m1, and iceA1genotypes are the predominant genotypes of H pyloriisolated from the southeastern European pediatric population. CagAand vacA s1are important virulence determinants of H pyloriin children, but were not found associated with an increased incidence of precancerous gastric lesions.

The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children in central and western Slovenia during a 12-year period (1994–2005).