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Introduction Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are a very common pediatric disease, with strong implications for children and their families. We aimed to determine their frequency in our environment (per Rome IV criteria) and to establish if there is seasonal variability in diagnosis. Material and methods Descriptive, prospective study. For 12 months, children under 16 years of age with suspected FGIDs who had a first pediatric gastroenterology consultation were included and classified according to Rome IV criteria. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS v22. Results 574 children received consultations, 67% were >4 years of age. FGIDs were suspected in 44.6% of the patients, 32.4% were diagnosed according to Rome IV criteria (16.4%, 4 years). 51.1% were female, average age of 8.4±4.2 years and mean of 7 months of symptoms until diagnosis (range 3-150). In patients 4 years of age, functional abdominal pain (29%), functional dyspepsia (28.4%) and functional constipation (16.8%) were most frequent. We did not discern seasonal variations in diagnosis in the global study population (p=.96) or by age group ( 4, P=.57). Conclusions FGIDs account for one third of our patients' consultations. While the Rome IV criteria are more inclusive than before, almost 30% of patients with suspected FGIDs do not meet said criteria. Although a seasonal difference regarding diagnosis was observed, it was not statistically significant either in the sample group as a whole or by age group.

Заболевания органов пищеварения у детей ввиду их широкой распространенности, особенностей клинического течения, высокого риска ранней манифестации и инвалидизации представляют собой серьезную медико-социальную проблему. Истоки многих хронических заболеваний пищеварительной системы взрослых, приводящих к временной утрате трудоспособности, лежат в детском и подростковом возрасте, то есть значение профилактики, своевременной диагностики и лечения этих заболеваний на ранних этапах их развития является очевидным.В настоящее время выделено самостоятельное научное направление и создана Национальная ассоциация педиатров-гастроэнтерологов и нутрициологов Украины, важнейшей задачей которой является решение актуальных проблем патологии пищеварительного тракта. Необходимость создания такого общества была продиктована проблемами и недостатками в системе оказания детской гастроэнтерологической помощи и отсутствием на тот момент единых нормативных документов по профилактическому питанию. На сегодняшний день удалось разработать стандарты лечения хронических заболеваний пищеварительных органов — «Уніфіковані клінічні Протоколи медичної допомоги дітям із захворюваннями органів травлення» (Приказ МЗ Украины № 59 от 29.01.2013). Эти рекомендации, разработанные в соответствии с международной практикой и принципами доказательной медицины, в настоящее время активно внедряются в практическую деятельность врачей-гастроэнтерологов и решают многочисленные вопросы, возникающие на всех этапах диагностики, лечения и профилактики гастроэнтерологической патологии.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Within the last two decades, an increased incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) has been reported in childhood, with some progressing to acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) or chronic pancreatitis (CP). Training future pancreatologists is critical to improve the care of children with pancreatic diseases. There are no studies to assess whether the pediatric gastroenterology (GI) fellowship curriculum prepares specialists to care for children with pancreatic diseases. METHODS An electronic survey was distributed to all North American Pediatric Gastroenterology Fellows. The survey included 31 questions on pancreatology training including academic resources, research experience, clinical exposure, clinical confidence, and career plans. RESULTS A total of 112 (25.8%) fellows responded from 41 (41/72, 56.9%) training centers in North America. Pancreas-specific didactic lectures were reported by 90.2% (n = 101); 49.5% (50/101) had at least quarterly or monthly lectures. Clinical confidence (Likert 4-5) was highest in managing and treating AP (94.6% and 93.8% respectively), relatively lower for ARP (84.8% and 71.4%) and lowest for CP (63.4% and 42.0%). Confidence in diagnosing both ARP and CP was associated with the variety of pancreatic diseases seen (p

BACKGROUND: Gastritis consists of inflammation of the gastric mucosa and is one of the main causes of dyspeptic symptoms in children. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of inflammation by evaluating fecal calprotectin (FC) in children diagnosed with chronic gastritis. DESIGN AND SETTING: Descriptive study in Pediatric Gastroenterology Department of Ondokuz Mayis University Hospital in Turkey. METHODS: Between January 2016 and July 2018, FC levels were compared retrospectively in children with chronic gastritis (histopathology-based diagnosis), patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and healthy children. RESULTS: A total of 67 chronic gastritis patients (61.2% girls) with a mean age of 13.09 ± 3.5 years were evaluated. The mean FC levels were 153.4 μg/g in the chronic gastritis group, 589.7 μg/g in the IBD group and 43.8 μg/g in the healthy group. These levels were higher in chronic gastritis patients than in healthy individuals (P = 0.001) and higher in IBD patients than in the other two groups (P < 0.001). The FC level in the patients with chronic active gastritis (156.3 μg/g) was higher than in those with chronic inactive gastritis (150.95 μg/g) (P = 0.011). Among the patients with chronic active gastritis, the FC level was significantly higher in Helicobacter pylori-positive individuals than in negative individuals (P = 0.031). CONCLUSION: We confirmed the association between increased FC and chronic gastritis. Elevated FC levels may be seen in patients with chronic active gastritis. In order to be able to use FC as a screening tool for chronic gastritis, further studies in a larger study group are needed.

The issue of feasibility and effectiveness of probiotics use in newborns is still discussable. A position letter of the Committee on nutrition of the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) and the Working group of the ESPGHAN on probiotics and prebiotics issues was published in May 2020 in “Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition” magazine as for the use of probiotics in premature newborns. It stated that over 10,000 premature newborns from all over the world had taken part in random controlled probiotics tests. It was proved that probiotics, in general, could decrease the level of necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, and mortality. But the question of choice of microorganism strains, dosing, and duration of medication course remains open. On the other hand, an increasing number of commercial products containing probiotics of non optimal quality are available. In addition, a large number of departments in the world regularly suggest probiotic supplements as a treatment standard despite the absence of any solid evidence. According to the data of the latest meta-analysis, effectiveness in decreasing mortality and incidence was found in the minority of investigated strains or combinations. In the position letter authors wanted to give advice which specific strains can be potentially used and which cannot. Moreover, the emphasis was placed on issues of safety of probiotic supplements for premature newborns. Guarantee of quality of probiotic product is deliverance of probiotic strains by transfer genes of resistance to antibiotics and the possibility of regular identification of probiotic sepsis. There is a conditional recommendation (with a low credibility of evidence) to provide eitherLactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC53103, or combination of Bifidobacterium infantis Bb-02, Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12, and Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4 for decreasing a risk of the necrotizing enterocolitis development subject to all issues of safety.

In this paper, we will review the dietary allowances of these fatty acids in the paediatric population, and also the indications in different pathologies within the field of pediatric gastroenterology. Finally, we will try to explain the reasons that may justify the difficulty in translating good results in experimental studies to the usual clinical practice. This “good results” may be too little to be detected or there may be other causes but misinterpreted as effects of DHA.

Introduction and aims: The primary aim was to explore the epidemiologic trend of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease in Latin America, and the secondary aims were to obtain an overview of the diagnostic/therapeutic focus of the members of the LASPGHAN and examine the relation of case frequency to year, during the study period. Materials and methods: Latin American pediatric gastroenterologists participated in an online survey, conducted through the SurveyMonkey platform, that investigated the yearly frequency of new inflammatory bowel disease patients within the time frame of 2005–2016, their disease variety, the gastrointestinal segments affected, and the diagnostic and treatment methods utilized. The correlation of new case frequency with each study year was evaluated. Results: A total of 607 patients were studied. The diagnoses were ulcerative colitis in 475 (78.3%) cases, Crohn’s disease in 104 (17.1%), and inflammatory bowel disease D unclassified in 28 (4.6%). The trend in ulcerative colitis was a lineal increase in the frequency of new cases related to each study year, with a significant correlation coefficient. Pancolitis was found in 67.6% of the patients. The diagnostic methods included clinical data, endoscopy, and biopsies in more than 99% of the cases, and imaging studies were indicated selectively. Drug regimens were limited to 5-aminosalicylic acid derivatives, azathioprine, 6-mercaptopurine, infliximab, and adalimumab. Conclusions: Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease in Latin America appears to have increased during the years included in the study period, with a predominance of moderate or severe ulcerative colitis. That lineal trend suggests the predictive likelihood of a gradual increase in the coming years, with possible epidemiologic and clinical implications. Resumen: Introducción y objetivos: El objetivo primario fue explorar la tendencia epidemiológica de la enfermedad intestinal inflamatoria pediátrica en América Latina; los secundarios, obtener una visión general del enfoque diagnóstico/terapéutico de miembros de la SLAGHNP y explorar la relación entre la frecuencia de casos y los años del período evaluado. Material y métodos: Se realizó una encuesta en línea a pediatras gastroenterólogos de América Latina con la plataforma SurveyMonkey. Se preguntó la frecuencia anual de pacientes nuevos de 2005 a 2016, su variedad, los segmentos del tubo digestivo afectados, los métodos de diagnóstico y el tratamiento utilizado. Se evaluó la correlación entre la frecuencia anual y los años de estudio. Resultados: Se estudió a 607 pacientes; el diagnóstico de colitis ulcerativa se realizó en 475 (78.3%), de enfermedad de Crohn en 104 (17.1%) y de enfermedad intestinal inflamatoria no clasificable en 28 (4.6%). La tendencia de colitis ulcerativa tuvo un incremento lineal con coeficiente de correlación significativo entre la frecuencia de casos nuevos y el año de estudio; 67.6% tuvieron pancolitis. Los métodos de diagnóstico incluyeron datos clínicos, endoscopia y biopsias en más del 99% de los casos; los estudios de imagen se indicaron de manera selectiva. Los esquemas farmacológicos se circunscribieron a derivados del ácido 5-aminosalicílico, azatioprina, 6-mercaptopurina, infliximab y adalimumab. Conclusiones: La enfermedad intestinal inflamatoria pediátrica en América Latina parece incrementarse en el período estudiado con predominio de formas moderadas o graves de colitis ulcerativa; esta tendencia lineal puede indicar la posibilidad predictiva de incremento gradual en la próxima década, lo que es probable que tenga implicaciones epidemiológicas y clínicas.

Біль у животі — частий привід для звернення пацієнтів різного віку до лікаря, одна з найбільш частих скарг, що пред’являються дітьми та їх батьками. Больовий абдомінальний синдром у дітей — це сукупність симптомів, що супроводжують різні хірургічні та нехірургічні захворювання, одним із проявів яких є біль у животі. Розрізняють гострий і хронічний (рецидивуючий) біль. Гострий біль у животі може бути проявом хірургічної патології, травми або гострого інфекційного захворювання. Біль у животі в більшості випадків обумовлений хронічними захворюваннями органів травлення або функціональними розладами. Педіатри, лікарі загальної практики та гастроентерологи частіше зустрічаються з рецидивуючим болем у животі (довготривалий переривчастий або постійний біль). Рецидивуючий біль у животі у дітей визначається як три епізоди болю, що відбуваються протягом трьох місяців і впливають на нормальну активність дитини. Погоджувальний документ Американської педіатричної асоціації та Північноамериканської асоціації дитячої гастроентерології, гепатології та харчування в 2005 році запропонував використовувати замість терміну «рецидивуючий біль у животі» термін «хронічний абдомінальний біль». Хронічний абдомінальний біль найчастіше (90–95 % випадків) вважається функціональним (неорганічним) болем у животі без об’єктивних ознак основного органічного розладу і характеризується різноманіттям проявів. За механізмом виникнення виокремлюють вісцеральний, парієтальний (соматичний), іррадиюючий та психогенний біль. При болі в животі необхідно оцінити: час появи, інтенсивність, характер, тривалість, локалізацію. На першому етапі діагностики необхідно виключити гостру хірургічну патологію. Про високу ймовірність хірургічної патології свідчать «симптоми тривоги». На наступному етапі проводиться диференційна діагностика органічних та функціональних причин абдомінального болю. При всіх видах функціонального болю відзначають порушення вісцеральної моторики і розвиток спазмів. Скорочувальна активність гладких м’язів ініціюється парасимпатичною нервовою системою. Лікування рецидивуючого болю в животі направлено на усунення його причин: зняття спазму, нормалізацію моторики шлунково-кишкового тракту. На даний час серед різних груп спазмолітиків при лікуванні функціональних розладів травного тракту віддають перевагу селективним міотропним спазмолітикам. Серед них мебеверин є оптимальним за ефективністю та безпекою. Мебеверин блокує швидкі натрієві канали, розташовані на клітинній мембрані міоцитів, перешкоджаючи надходженню іонів натрію в клітину. Цей механізм призводить до послаблення скорочувальної функції гладком’язового волокна і сприяє усуненню спазму, але не викликає гіпотонії. На відміну від антихолінергічних препаратів мебеверин справляє селективну дію на гладкі м’язи травного тракту. У клінічній практиці заслуговує на увагу мебеверину гідрохлорид — Спарк® (ПАТ «Фармак»), при прийомі якого відзначається збереження нормального тонусу і перистальтики після купірування м’язового спазму. Препарат Спарк® випускається в капсулах, одна капсула містить 200 мг мебеверину гідрохлориду. Згідно з інструкцією мебеверин (Спарк®) призначається дорослим і дітям від 10 років по 1 капсулі два рази на добу. Препарат не має системної дії. Застосування мебеверину (Спарк®) патогенетично обґрунтовано для лікування захворювань, що перебігають з абдомінальним больовим синдромом у дорослих і дітей старше 10 років.

The article presents review of literature and observation of the clinical case of Wilson’s disease combined with autoimmune hepatitis in an adolescent. The questions of the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis and Wilson’s disease in children are considered in accordance with the recommendations of the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. The attention is focused on the difficulties of interpreting clinical data and evaluating the results of laboratory and instrumental examination of this group of patients. An algorithm for diagnosing Wilson’s disease and autoimmune hepatitis in children is presented., В статье приведены данные литературных источников и собственное наблюдение клинического случая сосуществования болезни Вильсона — Коновалова и аутоиммунного гепатита у подростка. Рассмотрены вопросы диагностики аутоиммунного гепатита и болезни Вильсона — Коновалова у детей в соответствии с рекомендациями Европейского общества детских гастроэнтерологов, гепатологов и нутрициологов. Акцентировано внимание на трудностях интерпретации клинических данных и оценки результатов лабораторно-инструментального обследования данной группы пациентов. Представлен алгоритм диагностики болезни Вильсона — Коновалова и аутоиммунного гепатита у детей., У статті наведені дані літературних джерел і власне спостереження клінічного випадку співіснування хвороби Вільсона — Коновалова та автоімунного гепатиту в підлітка. Розглянуто питання діагностики автоімунного гепатиту та хвороби Вільсона — Коновалова в дітей відповідно до рекомендацій Європейського товариства дитячих гастроентерологів, гепатологів та нутриціологів. Акцентовано увагу на труднощах інтерпретації клінічних даних та оцінки результатів лабораторно-інструментального обстеження даної групи пацієнтів. Наведено алгоритм діагностики хвороби Вільсона — Коновалова та автоімунного гепатиту в дітей.

Синдром мальабсорбции, под которым подразумевают нарушение кишечного переваривания и всасывания, является трудным диагнозом в детской гастроэнтерологии ввиду своей полиэтиологичности, полиморфизма клинических проявлений и очевидных трудностей верификации. В связи с широким спектром возможных нарушений симптомы, характеризующие мальабсорбцию, могут значительно различаться, однако в большинстве случаев развития заболевания преобладающим клиническим симптомом болезни будет хроническая диарея, а наиболее ожидаемым клиническим последствием — дефицитные состояния, характеризующиеся развитием мальнутриции. В статье приводятся данные о современных классификациях заболеваний, характеризующихся нарушениями переваривания и всасывания, а также клинические аспекты, помогающие при проведении дифференциальной диагностики. Подчеркивается важность тщательного сбора анамнестических данных, осмотра ребенка и проведения рутинного физикального обследования. Учитывая тяжесть клинических последствий недостаточности питания и важность своевременного купирования алиментарно-дефицитных состояний, освещается необходимость проведения своевременной нутритивной поддержки, которая поможет нивелировать замедление темпов физического развития и нарушения роста, а также эффективно профилактировать ухудшение общего состояния ребенка и прогрессирование развития основной патологии, вызвавшей синдром мальабсорбции. Применение смесей, позволяющих предупредить формирование у детей тяжелого комплекса метаболических и иммунологических нарушений, решает целый ряд сложных вопросов, связанных с различными аспектами патофизиологического процесса. Активное использование в клинической практике таких универсальных лечебных формул, способных, помимо лечебного эффекта, восстанавливать нутритивный статус пациента, позволило значительно уменьшить потребность в применении парентерального питания и снизить лекарственную нагрузку на организм больного ребенка.

Актуальність. Ожиріння асоційовано з ектопічним накопиченням жиру з відкладенням жиру у паренхіматозних органах, у тому числі у підшлунковій залозі (ПЗ) з формуванням її стеатозу. Тривалий перебіг стеатозу підшлункової залози здатний призводити до хронічного запалення та фіброзу органу. Обмеженість проведення інвазивних досліджень у дітей обумовлює потребу у розробці та впровадженні в практику охорони здоров’я новітніх неінвазивних методів обстеження підшлункової залози. Мета: вивчити можливість ультразвукової діагностики стеатозу та фіброзу підшлункової залози у дітей з використанням методу стеатометрії (оцінка швидкості згасання ультразвуку) та еластометрії. Матеріали та методи. Було обстежено 60 дітей, які знаходились на стаціонарному лікуванні у відділенні дитячої гастроентерології ДУ «Інститут гастроентерології НАМН України». Розподіл за групами відбувся на основі наявності ожиріння й надмірної маси тіла: 1-шу групу становили 44 пацієнти з ожирінням і надмірною масою тіла, 2-гу групу — 16 дітей з нормальною масою тіла. Сонологічне дослідження, еластометрія та стеатометрія проводились на апараті Ultima PA Expert («Радмір», Україна). Наявність та ступінь стеатозу підшлункової залози визначались при попарному порівнянні ехогенності ПЗ з ехогенністю нирок та заочеревинного жиру. Результати. Було виявлено, що серед пацієнтів 1-ї групи 25 дітей (56,8 %) мали сонологічні ознаки стеатозу підшлункової залози, третина хворих мала ехографічні ознаки неспецифічних запальних зміни паренхіми залози. Аналіз даних стеатометрії ПЗ виявив, що середня величина коефіцієнту затухання ультразвуку у представників 1-ї групи була вірогідно вище за відповідний показник 2-ї групи (р < 0,05) і становила (2,45 ± 0,39) дБ/см у представників 1-ї групи та (1,80 ± 0,23) дБ/см у представників 2-ї групи. Середній показник жорсткості паренхіми ПЗ у дітей із нормальною масою тіла був вище за аналогічний показник пацієнтів з ожирінням і надмірною масою тіла, але вірогідність відмінностей не була достатньою. У представників 1-ї групи середнє значення жорсткості паренхіми ПЗ становило (3,69 ± 0,78) кПа та (3,78 ± 0,27) кПа — у 2-й групі. Висновки. Встановлено, що середній показник коефіцієнту затухання ультразвуку під час сонографії підшлункової залози у дітей з ожирінням і надмірною масою тіла є вірогідно вищим порівняно з пацієнтами, які мають нормальну масу тіла, що свідчить на користь наявності стеатозу підшлункової залози у дітей з ожирінням/надмірною масою тіла. Проведене дослідження свідчить про можливість використання стеатометрії та еластометрії як методів діагностики стеатозу й фіброзу підшлункової залози у дітей.

1. Kathleen Lo, MD* 2. Sunita Sridhar, MD* 3. Sabina Ali, MD† 1. *Department of Pediatrics and 2. †Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, University of California San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA An 18-month-old boy presents to the emergency department with a 3-month history of diarrhea and 1 month of weight loss. He was in his usual state of health until 3 months earlier when he began having liquid stools approximately 4 times a day. The stools have increased in frequency, and at the time of presentation he is having up to 20 stools per day. They are reported to be watery, nonbloody, and nonfrothy. Parents deny fever, sick contacts, recent travel, or ingestion of raw meat or unpasteurized dairy products. Oral intake has been unchanged; he eats a varied diet that includes small amounts of juice and occasional cow milk. He was seen by his pediatrician 2 months earlier for a similar complaint and was trialed on a lactose-free diet without improvement. Stool testing was negative for ova and parasites, Giardia, and fecal occult blood. Physical examination is notable for a well-appearing but thin toddler with extremity wasting. His weight is 22.3 lb (10.1 kg) (8th percentile), down from 26.5 lb (12 kg) (72nd percentile) 10 weeks ago. He is afebrile with normal vital signs, moist mucous membranes, and normal skin turgor. His abdomen is distended but soft, without appreciable mass or hepatosplenomegaly. He has an erythematous diaper rash surrounding the gluteal cleft. The remainder of his examination findings are normal. Initial laboratory tests are significant for a serum sodium level of 129 mEq/L (129 mmol/L), potassium level of 2.2 mEq/L (2.2 mmol/L), chloride level of 94 mEq/L (94 mmol/L), and bicarbonate level of 12 mEq/L (12 mmol/L). Complete blood cell count, C-reactive protein level, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate are normal. Human immunodeficiency virus screen, celiac antibody profile, and gastrointestinal viral panel are negative. Stool culture grows normal flora. Abdominal radiograph is normal, and upper and lower endoscopy is grossly normal. …

Introduction: High-quality pediatric gastrointestinal procedures are performed when clinically indicated and defined by their successful performance by skilled providers in a safe, comfortable, child-oriented, and expeditious manner. The process of pediatric endoscopy begins when a plan to perform the procedure is first made and ends when all appropriate patient follow-up has occurred. Procedure-related standards and indicators developed to date for endoscopy in adults emphasize cancer screening and are thus unsuitable for pediatric medicine. Methods: With support from the North American and European Societies of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN and ESPGHAN), an international working group of the Pediatric Endoscopy Quality Improvement Network (PEnQuIN) used the methodological strategy of the Appraisal of Guidelines for REsearch and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument to develop standards and indicators relevant for assessing the quality of endoscopic procedures. Consensus was sought via an iterative online Delphi process and finalized at an in- person conference. The quality of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated according to the GRADE (Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) approach. Results: The PEnQuIN working group achieved consensus on 14 standards for pediatric endoscopic procedures, as well as 30 indicators that can be used to identify high-quality procedures. These were subcategorized into three subdomains: Preprocedural (3 standards, 7 indicators), Intraprocedural (8 standards, 18 indicators), and Postprocedural (3 standards, 5 indicators). A minimum target for the key indicator, “rate of adequate bowel preparation, ” was set at ≥80%. Discussion: It is recommended that all facilities and individual providers performing pediatric endoscopy worldwide initiate and engage with the procedure-related standards and indicators developed by PEnQuIN to identify gaps in quality and drive improvement.

Pediatric acute liver failure (PALF) is a rare, rapidly progressive clinical syndrome with significant morbidity and mortality. The phenotype of PALF manifests as abrupt onset liver dysfunction, which can be brought via disparate etiology. Management is reliant upon intensive clinical care and support, often provided by the collaborative efforts of hepatologists, critical care specialists, and liver transplant surgeons. The construction of an age-based diagnostic approach, the identification of a potential underlying cause, and the prompt implementation of appropriate therapy can be lifesaving; however, the dynamic and rapidly progressive nature of PALF also demands that diagnostic inquiries be paired with monitoring strategies for the recognition and treatment of common complications of PALF. Although liver transplantation can provide a potential life-saving therapeutic option, the ability to confidently determine the certainness that liver transplant is needed for an individual child has been hampered by a lack of adequately tested clinical decision support tools and accurate predictive models. Given the accelerated progress in understanding PALF, we will provide clinical guidance to pediatric gastroenterologists and other pediatric providers caring for children with PALF by presenting the most recent advances in diagnosis, management, pathophysiology, and associated outcomes.

BACKGROUND The management of acute pancreatitis (AP) in children was historically derived from adult practice recommendations. Pediatric-specific recommendations for treatment of AP were recently developed by North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, but their impact on clinical outcomes has yet to be evaluated. We developed an AP order set on the basis of these recommendations to assess impact on clinical outcomes. METHODS Patients admitted to a single center with 3 children’s hospitals in 2017 and 2018 for isolated AP were included in a retrospective review. Patient demographic data, order set use, treatment variables (eg, fluid type, rate, type and timing of diet initiation, and narcotic use), and outcome variables (eg, length of stay [LOS], PICU admission, and 30-day readmission) were collected. Mixed-effects modeling was used to estimate the impact of order set use on clinical outcomes. RESULTS There were 159 pancreatitis encounters and 137 unique patients who met inclusion criteria. In 2018, when using the log transform of LOS in a linear mixed-effects model for clustering by hospital, there was a 10% decrease in mean LOS, but this failed to reach statistical significance (P = .30). Among the 107 encounters who received at least 1 dose of narcotic, there were significantly fewer doses prescribed after implementation of the order set: mean (SD) of5.22 (2.86) vs 3.59 (2.47) (P < .001). Thirty-day readmission (P = .25) and PICU admission rates (P = .31) were not different between years. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of a pancreatitis order set is associated with a significant decrease in narcotic use in pediatric patients with AP without increasing readmission rates or PICU admissions.

Background: Family screening has been advocated as a means to reduce the major underdiagnosis of coeliac disease. However, the precise risk of the disease in relatives and the impact of patient- and relative-related individual factors remain obscure. Aims: To investigate the individual risk of coeliac disease among patients' relatives. Methods: Altogether 2943 relatives of 624 index patients were assessed for the presence of previous coeliac disease diagnosis, or were screened for the disease. Coeliac disease-associated human leucocyte antigen (HLA) genotype was determined from all participants. The association between individual factors and new screening positivity was assessed by logistic regression. Results: There were 229 previously diagnosed non-index relatives with coeliac disease and 2714 non-affected (2067 first-degree, 647 more distant) relatives. Of these 2714 relatives, 129 (4.8%) were screening-positive (first-degree 5.1%, second-degree 3.6%, more distant 3.5%). The combined prevalence of the previously diagnosed and now detected cases in relatives was 12.2% (6.3% clinically detected, 5.9% screen-detected). In univariate analysis, age

Patients with celiac disease (CeD) can commonly present with symptoms of dyspepsia. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the present literature to assess the prevalence of CeD in patients diagnosed with dyspepsia. We searched MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for the keywords: celiac disease, coeliac disease, anti-gliadin, tissue transglutaminase antibody, anti-endomysial antibody, dyspepsia and functional gastrointestinal disorder. All the studies published from January 1991 till May 2021 were included. Diagnosis of CeD was based on the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines. A random-effects model was used to pool the data. Twenty-one studies screening 10,275 patients with dyspepsia were included. The pooled seroprevalence of CeD based on a positive anti-tissue transglutaminase antibody and/or anti-endomysial antibody was 4.8% (95% CI [2.8, 6.7%], I2 = 87.7%). The pooled biopsy-confirmed CeD prevalence was 1.5% (95% CI [1.0, 1.9%]; I2 = 59.8%) in these patients. Both seroprevalence (Odds ratio: 1.8; 95% CI [0.8, 4.0%]; I2 = 0%) and prevalence of biopsy-confirmed CeD (Odds ratio: 1.4; 95% CI [0.8, 2.4]; I2 = 0%) were not higher in patients with dyspepsia compared to controls. There was a moderate risk of selection bias and significant heterogeneity in the pooled results. The pooled prevalence of CeD in patients with dyspepsia was 1.5% and it was not significantly higher than the general population. These results do not support screening of patients with dyspepsia for CeD.

Purpose of review Polyposis syndromes are rare but significant entities that often present during childhood and adolescence. Polyposis syndromes should remain high on the differential diagnoses for any child presenting with rectal bleeding, protein-losing enteropathy or intussusception in the setting of multiple polyps in the gastrointestinal tract. There are three primary paediatric polyposis syndromes: Juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS), Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS). This review will cover recent guidelines for these conditions and advances in genetic testing. Recent findings The first set of paediatric guidelines were released in 2019 by the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) for FAP, JPS and PJS. Even with advances in genetic testing, a significant proportion of patients with polyposis syndromes have no identifiable genetic mutations. Recent research has shown that polyps behave differently in patients with and without disease-causing variants, emphasizing the role of genetic testing in the diagnosis and management of polyposis syndromes. Summary Polyposis syndromes in the paediatric population are growing due to increased recognition and advances in genetic testing. A timely diagnosis and surveillance of a paediatric polyposis syndrome are pivotal for the management of disease burden and early identification of cancers within the gastrointestinal tract and beyond. Paediatricians, paediatric gastroenterologists, paediatric oncologists and paediatric surgeons should be familiar with the presentation and comorbidities of polyposis syndromes in children and adolescents. Further research into genotype-phenotype correlations is needed to tailor the care for paediatric patients with polyposis syndromes.

Aim The prevalence of congenital cerebral palsy (CP) worldwide ranges from 0.15 to 0.4%. CP causes several gastrointestinal complications that inhibit normal eating behavior. This single-center observational study aimed to determine the tolerability and benefits of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in pediatric CP patients with malnutrition. Materials and Methods The study included 41 pediatric CP patients with malnutrition. All patient data were retrospectively obtained from Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Research and Training Hospital, Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Istanbul, Turkey. In addition to baseline measurements of weight, height, triceps skinfold thickness, 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D3, folate, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular volume, data analyzed included follow-up measurements recorded at 3 and 6 months of PEG (standard polymeric enteral supplementation as 1.0 kcal mL–1). Results There was significant improvement in both height, weight, and triceps skinfold thickness in all patients at 3 and 6 months of PEG (p Conclusion PEG significantly improves malnutrition in pediatric CP patients and does not cause any major complications. Based on these findings, we think PEG is a beneficial and cost-effective intervention with a high rate of tolerability in pediatric CP patients with malnutrition.

Nisan 2020'de İngiltere’den Kavasaki hastalığı ve toksik şok sendromu benzeri bir klinik tablo ile sağlık kurumuna getirilen çocuk hastaların bildirilmeye başlamasıyla birlikte şiddetli akut solunum sendromu koronavirüsü 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemisi sırasında çocukların yetişkinlerden daha az zarar gördüğü inanışı ortadan kalkmıştır. 2019 koronavirüs hastalığı (COVID-19) ile ilişkili pediatrik multisistem inflamatuar hastalık (MIS-C) olarak adlandırılan bu klinik antitenin, tanısı şüphe düzeyinde bile olsa, hastanede tedavi edilmesini önermekteyiz. Yaşamsal tehlikesi bulunmayan çocuklarda MIS-C ölçütlerinin karşılanıp karşılanmadığının saptanması için kapsamlı bir laboratuvar değerlendirmesi yapılmalı, tedavi kararı bu değerlendirmeden sonra verilmelidir. Klinik durumu kritik olan çocuklara ise, hastalıktan şüphelenildiği takdirde, kesin tanı koyulması beklenmeden immünomodülatör tedavi başlanmalıdır. MIS-C’li çocuklar mümkünse çocuk enfeksiyon hastalıkları, çocuk romatolojisi, çocuk kardiyolojisi, çocuk yoğun bakım ve çocuk gastroenterolojisi yan dal uzmanlarının bulunduğu bir kurumda izlenmelidir. Henüz tartışmalı da olsa, SARS-CoV-2’nin hava yoluyla bulaşması söz konusu olduğundan, COVID-19 şüpheli hastaların odalarına giren sağlık çalışanlarının hava yolu bulaşına karşı da tedbirli olmalarını öneriyoruz. Tedavi başlıca intravenöz immünoglobülin, steroid, biyolojik ajan, antitrombotik tedavi ve antimikrobiyal tedaviden oluşmaktadır. Tedavi süresi kesinlik kazanmamakla birlikte taburculuk için kardiyak işlevlerin normale dönmesi ve son 24 saatte ateş saptanmaması önkoşuldur. MIS-C’nin prognozu çoğunlukla iyi olup, vaka fatalite hızı %1-2’dir.

Background The aim of this article is to describe the courses of vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and clinical deterioration, in children with uncomplicated gastroenteritis at presentation. This study was performed as a 7-day prospective follow-up study in an out-of-hours primary care service. The course of vomiting, diarrhea, and fever was analyzed by generalized linear mixed modeling. Because young children (≤ 12 months) and children with severe vomiting are at increased risk of dehydration, the potentially more complicated courses of these groups are described separately. The day(s) most frequently associated with deterioration and the symptoms present in children who deteriorated during follow-up were also described. Results In total, 359 children presented with uncomplicated acute gastroenteritis to the out-of-hours primary care service. Of these, 31 (8.6%) developed a complicated illness and needed referral or hospitalization. All symptoms decreased within 5 days in most children (> 90%). Vomiting and fever decreased rapidly, but diarrhea decreased at a somewhat slower pace, especially among children aged 6–12 months. Children who deteriorated during follow-up had a higher frequency of vomiting at presentation and higher frequencies of vomiting and fever during follow-up. Conclusions The frequency of vomiting, not its duration, appears to be the more important predictor of deterioration. When advising parents, it is important to explain the typical symptom duration and to focus on alarm symptoms. Clinicians should be vigilant for children with higher vomiting frequencies at presentation and during follow-up because these children are more likely to deteriorate.

OBJECTIVES: Studies evaluating the correlation between tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin antibody (TGA-IgA) levels and the degree of enteropathy in screening-detected coeliac disease (CD) patients from the general childhood population are scarce. The objectives of our study were to evaluate the correlation between the TGA-IgA titre and the degree of enteropathy and to evaluate whether the no-biopsy approach to diagnose CD in symptomatic patients proposed by the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition could be extended to asymptomatic CD patients diagnosed during mass screening studies. METHODS: The present study is a sub-study of a cross-sectional mass screening study, "Exploring the Iceberg of Coeliacs in Saudi Arabia", conducted among school-aged children (6-15 years) in 2014-2015. The 93 biopsy-confirmed CD patients constituted the study cohort of the present study (mean age 11.4 ± 2.6 years; 24 males). TGA-IgA titres and endomysial antibodies (EMA) at the time of biopsy and grade of enteropathy were assessed, and human leukocyte antigen DQ 2.2/2.5/8 genotyping was performed. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients had TGA-IgA titres >10× upper limit of normal (ULN; 36%); all had villous atrophy with positive EMA and DQ 2.2/2.5/8. The sensitivity and specificity of a TGA-IgA titre >10× ULN in correctly diagnosing CD was 100%. There was a significant positive correlation between the anti-TGA-IgA titre and the severity of enteropathy (P 10× ULN correlates with villous atrophy in CD patients detected by mass screening.

The article summarizes the knowledge about epidemiological data, clinical features, criteria for verification of the diagnosis, modern principles of diagnosis and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in children based on the analysis of literature sources using paper and electronic databases PubMed, CyberLeninka, Web of Science, MedLine, The Cochrane Library. A review of literary sources on the study of this pathology demonstrates that at the present stage NAFLD has become one of the most common causes of chronic liver disease in children and adolescents because of the growing worldwide epidemic of childhood obesity. The article presents the latest recommendations of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases on the screening strategy and basic criteria for verification of the diagnosis, as well as the principles of treatment of this pathology in pediatric practice. Particular attention is paid to the description of the main imaging methods that play a key role in the diagnosis of NAFLD in children and adolescents. The role of lifestyle modification as the main method of NAFLD treatment according to current international recommendations is described in detail. The review also analyzes the main researches that have focused on alternative treatments targeting the basic pathogenic factors of pathology development. In conclusion, the author considered the problem of lack of accurate non-invasive markers of hepatocellular damage and fibrosis in the pediatric practice, as well as the lack of clinical trials to determine optimal approaches to the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in children.

OBJECTIVE: Use of telemedicine in pediatric gastroenterology has increased dramatically in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The goal of this study was to systematically assess the usability of telemedicine in the field of pediatric gastroenterology. METHODS: The previously validated Telehealth Usability Questionnaire was distributed to physician pediatric gastroenterologist members of North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition. Physician demographic and practice characteristics were collected. Data were analyzed using descriptive, linear mixed-effect, and ordinary least squares regression methods. RESULTS: One hundred sixty pediatric gastroenterologists completed the survey. The majority were from academic practice (77%) with experience ranging from trainee (11%) to over 20 years of clinical practice (34%). Most (82%) had no experience with telemedicine before the pandemic. The average usability score (scale 1-5) was 3.87 (σ = 0.67) with the highest domain in the usefulness of telemedicine (µâ€Š= 4.29, σ = 0.69) and physician satisfaction (µâ€Š= 4.13, σ = 0.79) and the lowest domain in reliability (µâ€Š= 3.02, σ = 0.87). When comparing trainees to attending physicians, trainees' responses were almost one point lower on satisfaction with telemedicine (trainee effect = -0.97, Bonferroni adjusted 95% confidence interval = -1.71 to -0.23). CONCLUSION: Pediatric gastroenterologists who responded to the survey reported that the technology for telemedicine was usable, but trainees indicated lower levels of satisfaction when compared to attending physicians. Future study is needed to better understand user needs and the impacts of telemedicine on providers with different levels are experience to inform efforts to promote implementation and use of telemedicine beyond the pandemic.

Objectives The 2012 European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) guidelines on celiac disease (CD) recommended a no-biopsy pathway (NBP) for symptomatic children with high immunoglobin A (IgA)-based anti-tissue transglutaminase (TGA-IgA) titers, positive anti-endomysial antibody and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DQ2/DQ8 status. We aimed to understand variations in practice amongst specialist pediatric gastroenterology centers (SPGIC) in the United Kingdom (UK). Methods A survey questionnaire was sent to all UK SPGIC (n = 29) providing endoscopy services for CD diagnosis. It was divided into four main subgroups: analyzing diagnosis of CD through adherence to the ESPGHAN (2012) guidelines, post-diagnosis care and long-term follow-up and discharge from pediatric services. Results All 29 responded. NBP was implemented in 28 of 29 centers. Five of 29 centers had already stopped HLA-DQ2/DQ8 testing for NBP diagnosis. Twenty six of 29 centers were performing endoscopy on screening-identified children (mostly asymptomatic, "at-risk" patients). Diagnosis was communicated by a doctor in 65% SPGIC (n = 19). Most centers (n = 23) waited 6-12 months post-diagnosis to start gluten-free oats. Routine vitamin D supplementation was commenced by 4 of 29 centers. All centers repeated TGA-IgA to assess normalization but at varying times post-GFD. Follow-up was with a combination of doctors/dieticians (n = 26). Eleven of 29 centers discharged their patient to primary care. Conclusions There was excellent uptake of ESPGHAN guidelines (2012) in the UK and adherence to guidelines is generally good. Despite published evidence and pragmatic advice from the British Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition and National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, significant differences remain in diagnostic and ongoing management practice and are opportunities for research and directive evidence-based follow-up guidance.

The present study assesses the diagnostic significance of low ferritin levels in gastrointestinal diseases by evaluating the endoscopic findings of patients with low ferritin levels without anemia. The study included patients aged 0–18 years who underwent an upper and lower gastrointestinal system endoscopy in the Pediatric Gastroenterology Department of our hospital. The patients were divided into three groups based on hemoglobin, and ferritin levels at the time of initial presentation and endoscopic and histopathological findings were recorded retrospectively. In the present study, 2391 pediatric patients were reviewed, among which 29% (n = 699) had anemia, 23% (n = 549) had low ferritin levels without anemia, and 48% (n = 1143) did not have anemia. The most common symptoms were abdominal pain, dyspepsia, and growth retardation. When the endoscopy findings were compared with those of patients with non-anemic group, Helicobacter pylori gastritis (24%/17.6%) and celiac disease (6%/2.2%) were more common in low ferritin levels without anemia, which indicated a statistically significant difference (p = 0.000/p = 0.04). Helicobacter pylori gastritis and celiac disease were more commonly observed in association with low ferritin levels. Low ferritin levels without anemia can be an early and silent sign of celiac disease.

The information blocking (IB) prohibition component of the 21st Century CURES Act (21CCA) comes into effect April 5, 2021, which gives patients and their families near-instant access to almost all clinical notes, lab results, and health data. Exceptions to IB prohibition include risk of harm and patient privacy, but violations can be punished by a fine of up to $1,000,000.00. A committee of pediatric gastroenterologists reviewed the 21CCA regulation and compared local practice policies. Pediatric practitioners need to understand how age will affect local information release policies and to know which note types are released, paying special consideration to trainee notes and confidential information. Extraneous detail should be removed from notes, emotional labeling be avoided, and objective statements be made when referring to the care of other providers. Awareness of the 21CCA provides pediatric gastroenterologists with the opportunity to adapt their medical documentation practices to accommodate the new law.

Justification The IAP last published the guidelines “Comprehensive Management of Diarrhea” in 2006 and a review in 2016. The WHO in 2002 and the Government of India in 2004 recommended low osmolarity rehydration solution (LORS) as the universal rehydration solution for all ages and all forms of dehydration. However, the use of LORS in India continues to be unacceptably low at 51%, although awareness about ORS has increased from a mere 14% in 2005 to 69% in 2015. Availability of different compositions of ORS and brands in market added to the confusion. Process The Indian Academy of Pediatrics constituted a panel of experts from the fields of pediatrics, pediatric gastroenterology and nutrition to update on management of dehydration in children with particular reference to LORS and issue a current practice guideline. The committee met twice at CIAP HQ to review all published literature on the aspect. Brief presentations were made, followed by discussions. The draft paper was circulated by email. All relevant inputs and suggestions were incorporated to arrive at a consensus on this practice guideline. Objectives To summarize latest literature on ORT and empower pediatricians, particularly those practicing in rural areas, on management of dehydration by augmenting LORS use. Recommendations It was stressed that advantages of LORS far out-weigh its limitations. Increased use of LORS can only be achieved by promoting better awareness among public and health-care providers across all systems of medicine. LORS can also be useful in managing dehydration in non-diarrheal illness. More research is required to modify ORS further to make it safe and effective in neonates, severe acute malnutrition, renal failure, cardiac and other co-morbidities. There is an urgent need to discourage production and marketing all forms of ORS not in conformity with WHO approved LORS, under a slogan “One India, one ORS”.

Since its inception in 2012, the OpenNotes initiative has been broadly adopted by medical institutions across the nation, giving more than 40 million patients access to their medical documentation.1 The response to this access has been overwhelmingly positive, as providers and adult patients report increased trust, transparency, and collaboration.2 In contrast, the benefits of OpenNotes have yet to be realized among pediatric and adolescent patients. Since February 2018, our pediatric institution has default released medical notes to patients aged 12 years and older. Currently, 90% of medical notes are shared with adolescent and young adult (AYA) patients; however, medical documentation is withheld from those in care settings regarded as vulnerable (ie, psychiatry, child abuse) or if the provider deems the content sensitive. We previously demonstrated adequate comprehension and satisfaction with medical documentation among AYA patients seen at a pediatric gastroenterology clinic.3 However, confidentiality concerns persist among providers, especially those working within mental health settings.4.

Introduction: Quality of life (QOL) is an important patient-reported outcome measure (PROM). Assessment of QOL in children is challenging particularly because developmental age affects the accuracy...

OBJECTIVES Medical scribes may offer a route to improve physician productivity and workflow efficiency with reduced physician time for documentation. To our knowledge, there is no prior literature on medical scribe impact on outpatient pediatric gastroenterology clinic operations. The primary aim of our study was to address this knowledge gap. METHODS Data were collected on encounters conducted by pediatric gastroenterology physicians at a tertiary center, during a summer scribe program. Scribes were trained and attended clinics in a nonrandomized fashion. Clinic efficiency was assessed by patient flow, tracked via the electronic medical record system. Medical note complexity codes, associated work relative value units (wRVUs), and note delinquency were compared between encounters with and without scribes. Patient satisfaction survey scores were compared between groups. RESULTS One thousand nine hundred seventy encounters were included. Documented medical note complexity (and wRVUs), note delinquency, patient satisfaction, and perceived overall quality of service were similar between groups. Clinic time for established encounters was statistically shorter with scribes (median 18 vs 21 minutes, P = 0.01), a 14% reduction. No significant difference was noted in new encounter clinic time. The time to note completion was shorter for new encounters with scribes (2 vs 3 days, P = 0.048). More notes were finalized by the third day postencounter when a scribe was present (63% vs 57%, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS The presence of medical scribes was associated with significantly more efficient clinic flow for established encounters and modest improvements in note completion rate. There were no measurable negative effects on documented medical note complexity or patient satisfaction scores.

Position paper of the Federal Association of German Hospital Pharmacists, the nutrition committees of the German and Austrian Societies of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and the working group on intestinal failure of the Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. In 2019 the German Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (Bundesinstitut fur Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte, BfArM) launched a “doctors letter” (Rote-Hand-Brief) recommending light protection of all parenteral nutrition (PN) solutions during administration for preterm infants, term infants and children less than 2 years of age. The aim of the present paper is to review the available evidence and provide evidence-based recommendations for hospital and home PN light protection in children. The Federal Association of German Hospital Pharmacists, the nutrition committees of the German and Austrian Societies of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine and the working group on intestinal failure of the Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition recommend in accordance with the recommendations of the ESPGHAN, ESPEN, ESPR and CESPEN guidelines on pediatric parenteral nutrition: 1. Lipid emulsions and/or vitamins containing PN solutions should be protected from light during administration (bags and tubing) to prevent the generation of oxidants. 2. There is no conclusive evidence for recommending light protection for PN solutions without lipid emulsions and without vitamins during administration (solutions containing, e.g. amino acids, glucose, electrolytes, or trace elements). In addition, in home PN non-light-protected spiral tubing may be used because validated light-protected spiral tubing is currently not available, given that spiral tubing improves the range of motion and safety in infants and young children.

The clinical guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of the3 functional disorders of the digestive system in children were preparedby a Group of Experts, domestic leading specialists in the field of the pediatric gastroenterology, who generalized the foreign guidelines and domestic experience, suggesting the tactics for the pediatrician actions in the everyday practice. Part 3 of the Guidelinesdiscusses the billiard tract dysfunctions and functional constipations. There are no biliary tract dysfunctions in the Pediatric Sectionsof Rome Consensus IV; however, the Russian pediatric school of thought has always considered them as important in terms of oneof the causes for abdominal pain in children. This attitude was supported by the experts, and it is maintained in these Guidelines.The functional constipations are common in the children of different ages, and they present not only a medical problem, but alsoa serious social one for both children and their parents. That is why the considerable attention has been paid to this pathology considering the psychosocial aspects of the correction.

Background: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is one of the most important global health problems and active immunization is the single most important and effective preventive measure against HBV infection. Several studied show that HBV carrier rate is between 2% - 7% in Bangladesh. Bangladesh introduced hepatitis B vaccination in children through Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) in 2005 that includes 3 doses which starts from six weeks after birth. Currently booster vaccination is not recommended any more. However, many studies on different countries observed a declined level of HBs-antibody over a period of 3 - 6 years that may even reach to non-protective levels. Objective: To evaluate the status of seroconversion and seroprotection along with non-responders of EPI vaccinated children against HBV and to measure their antibody levels in different age groups. Methods: A cross sectional descriptive study was done in the department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh on 120 cases of EPI vaccinated children enrolled from January-December 2019 while attending the inpatient department without any liver problem. The development of Anti-HBs titre greater than or equal to 10 mIU/mL is considered as protective immunity and any titre less than 10 mIU/mL as non-protective following HBV vaccination. Results: Age of the children was 1 - 12 years with mean age of 5.6 ± 1.7 years and male: female ratio was 1.1:1. Among the children, 56 (46.6%) were from 1 - 5 years age, 36 (30.1%) children from 6 - 10 years age group and 27 (23.3%) children from 11 - 12 years age group. Out of 120 children, presence of Anti-HBs protective titre was in 63 (52.5%) children and non-protective level in 57 (47.5%) children. Among protective level, 34 (60.7%) children were in 1 - 5 years age group, 18 (50.0%) children in 6 - 10 years age group and 11 (39.3%) children in 11 - 12 years age group. Total 24 (20%) children were completely non-responder (antibody titre 0.00 mIU/mL). Out of 120 mother, 06 (5%) were HBV positive. Among them 05 (83.33%) children had Anti-HBs less than 10 mIU/mL. Conclusion: After primary vaccination, a good immune response was detected against hepatitis B virus but it goes below even up to non-protective level with the increase of age. Half of the studied children had non-protective titre after 5 years and one-fifth children totally non-responder after primary hepatitis B vaccination. A booster dose may be recommended after 5 years for optimum seroprotection.

BACKGROUND In 2019 we reported the results of a Japanese national survey designed to explore the views of adult gastroenterologists regarding transitional care for patients with childhood-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). For the present study, we conducted a similar survey of pediatric gastroenterologists to compare the views of the two sets of specialists. METHODS The survey conducted in 2019 involved 48 representative members of the Japanese Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition. They were contacted by conventional mail and their answers were not anonymized. Respondents who had already referred patients with IBD to adult gastroenterologists were asked in a questionnaire to rank the importance of specific statements on a Likert scale. RESULTS The response rate was 79% and 29 (60%) of the respondents had experienced transitional care for patients with IBD. Transfer to adult care was considered by 90% of the respondents to be the ideal form of medical care for adolescents/young adults with IBD. However, 59% of the respondents had experienced some degree of difficulty when making referrals for such care. The majority of pediatric gastroenterologists considered that the ideal age for transfer was 18-22 years. Among the respondents, physicians at municipal hospitals considered that the presence of diseases other than IBD and a shortage of manpower were significantly more important issues than other practice settings. CONCLUSIONS The present survey revealed that the general views regarding transitional care for IBD between pediatric and adult gastroenterologists were similar, except for the appropriate time for transfer. The results underline the importance of preparing a transition program appropriate to practice settings.

Background Liver injury is both very common in infants and children and associated with low immune function. This study aimed to investigate the effect of spleen aminopeptide oral lyophilized powder (SAOLP) on liver injury in infants and children with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. Methods In this prospective observational study, 217 infants and children with both liver damage and HCMV infection who were admitted to the Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University between July 2018 and May 2020 were investigated. The median age of patients was 0.75 years (0.36-3.77 years), with 105 male and 112 female participants. All 217 patients received ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and/or reduced glutathione (GDC) therapy. Of these 217 patients, 114 also received SAOLP. Liver function, cellular immunity levels, HCMV antibody titer, and HCMV-DNA load values were measured 1 day before treatment, and on the second and fourth week after treatment. Results After 4 weeks, patients treated with SAOLP showed median levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TB), and direct bilirubin (DB) which were significantly lower than those seen in patients who did not receive it. In addition, the percentage of CD4+ cells was significantly higher in those treated with SAOLP in comparison to those treated with UDCA and/or GDC alone. The number of positive HCMV-immunoglobin M (IgM) patients was also sharply decreased in the group receiving SAOLP. Conclusions The addition of SAOLP to UDCA and/or GDC therapy may significantly relieve liver injury and reduce the jaundice index by enhancing immune function and anti-HCMV infection ability in infants and children.

Introduction/Objective. Nonclassical celiac disease (CD) is characterized by a very heterogeneous and non-specific clinical presentation. The aim of this study was to determine the basic symptoms and clinical signs of this CD subtype in children and adolescents Methods. The study was based on a sample of 58 children and adolescent, 38 female and 20 male, ages 1.75 to 17.75 (10.01?4.62) years with a nonclassical CD diagnosed according to the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition criteria from 1990 and 2012. Results. Except four patients who were between the ages of 1.75 to 2.50 years, all others were older than three years. The main clinical symptoms and signs suggestive of non-classical CD were anemia caused by iron deficiency (48.28%), short stature (34.48%), and intermittent abdominal pain (18.97%), anorexia with stagnation or weight loss (13.79%), and chronic constipation (6.9%). Thirty patients had one symptom or sign of the disease, 15 had two and 13 had three. In addition, 12 patients had dental enamel hypoplasia, 18 sideropenia without anemia and five mild isolated hypertransaminasemia. A gluten-free diet, apart from the dental enamel hypoplasia, has resulted in the withdrawal of all indicators of the disease. Conclusion. The main symptoms and clinical signs of nonclassical CD in children and adolescents were iron deficiency anemia, short stature and intermittent abdominal pain, and less frequently anorexia with stagnation or weight loss and chronic constipation. Excluding dental enamel hypoplasia, a gluten-free diet leads to a complete recovery of the patient.

Intestinal failure requires the placement and maintenance of a long-term central venous catheter for the provision of fluids and/or nutrients. Complications associated with this access contribute to significant morbidity and mortality, while the loss of access is an increasingly common reason for intestinal transplant referral. As more emphasis has been placed on the prevention of central line-associated bloodstream infections and new technologies have developed, care for central lines has improved; however, because care has evolved independently in local centers, care of central venous access varies significantly in this vulnerable population. The present position paper from the Intestinal Failure Special Interest Group of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) reviews current evidence and provides recommendations for central line management in children with intestinal failure.

Introduction: Neonatal cholestasis is a hepatobiliay disease characterized by biliary obstruction in the neonatal period. Biochemically it is evidenced by prolonged elevation of serum conjugated bilirubin beyond the first 14 days of life.1 Most common causes are biliary atresia and idiopathic neonatal hepatitis.3, 4 Objective: To evaluate stool color as a screening test by visual inspection in infants with prolonged neonatal cholestasis. Methodology: This was a cross-sectional analytic study, conducted in Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition Department,BSMMU, Dhaka, from 3 September 2012 to 3 February 2013 about 6 month duration. Statistically calculated 38 infants with prolonged neonatal direct hyperbilirubinaemia beyond their 14 days of age were included in this study. Results: The mean age of the subjects was 62.3 days with a standard deviation (SD) ±13.7 days. Male to female ratio was 1.2:1. All (100%) the subjects were icteric and hepatomegaly was found in 94.7% subjects. Dark urine (84.2%), pale stool (78.5%), bleeding manifestations (31.8%) and infection (29%) were also observed. Thirty (78.5%) subjects had pale colored stool. Mean (± SD) albumin and conjugated bilirubin levels were 3.68 (±1.88)gm/dl and 5.29 (±1.31)mg/dl respectively. ALT and GGT level of the study subjects were 346.19±124.28 u/dl and 315±198.91 u/l respectively. Common ultrasonographic findings of the patients were non visualization of gallbladder 60.5%, non-visualization of common bileduct 50%, hepatomegaly 92.1%, and triangular cord sign in portahepatis 7.9%. Scintigraphy revealed impaired excretion into intestine 88.9% in majority of the subjects. Liver biopsy revealed liver architecture was preseved 65.8% bile duct proliferation 52.6%, regenarating nodule was absent 65.8% gaint cell was present 52.6% portal tract inflammation was found in 47.4%. Sensitivity of stool color in the diagnosis of neonatal cholestasis was found 90.6%, specificity 83.3%, accuracy 89.5%, positive predictive value 96.7% and negative predictive value 62.5%. Conclusion: It can be concluded that stool color might be reliable indicator for screening of prolonged neonatal cholestasis namely biliary atresia. J Bangladesh Coll Phys Surg 2021; 39(1): 46-52

The diagnoses of ulcerative colitis have increased in pediatric patients in the last two decades. Whereas there are several reports from most areas of the world, no clinical studies describing the clinical management of pediatric ulcerative colitis are currently available from Central Asia. In this article, we first describe a case series of pediatric patients affected with ulcerative colitis in Kazakhstan. This is a retrospective study including 25 consecutive pediatric patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis in a tertiary pediatric hospital. The available demographic, clinical, hematological and inflammatory parameters at diagnosis and at the first one-year follow-up have been provided and analyzed. Most pediatric patients diagnosed with ulcerative colitis were older than 12 years, with prevalence of male gender. The analysis of clinical, laboratory, endoscopic parameters at the diagnosis suggested a significant diagnostic delay compared to developed countries, however, most of them showed clinical, laboratory and endoscopic improvements at the one-year follow-up. Even though the therapeutic approach and outcomes resulted to be consistent with other clinical studies from developed countries, several aspects of the medical follow-up should be improved, especially in pediatric patients with extensive disease.

Helicobacter pylori causes one of the most common chronic bacterial infections. Clinical manifestations include asymptomatic chronic gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, adenocarcinoma, and gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma in adults. In children, most H pylori infections are asymptomatic despite being associated with microscopic gastric inflammation, and children rarely develop complications associated with infection. Due to rising resistance and lack of symptomatic improvement in the absence of peptic ulcer disease, testing and eradication therapy are recommended only for the subset of patients in whom there is a high suspicion of peptic ulcer disease. Studies do not support the role of H pylori infection in functional disorders such as recurrent abdominal pain. A variety of diagnostic modalities exist; therefore, it is important to understand the appropriate approach to diagnosing H pylori infection. The joint European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition/North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition guidelines were updated in 2016. Antibiotic and proton pump inhibitor weight-based dosing guidelines have changed to prevent ineffective treatment from increasing antimicrobial resistance. Treatment can also be guided by antibiotic sensitivities obtained from H pylori culture. Patients should be tested again after treatment to confirm eradication.

Objective: To systematically revise the literature in search of data about the prevalence of constipation in patients with cystic fibrosis according to the publications in this field, which partly refer to guidelines defined in 2010 by the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Sources: Systematic review selecting articles based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses, including Cystic Fibrosis patients of all ages. Sources of information were selected to identify the articles without period limitation: CADTH – Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, CINAHL Complete, Clinical Trials US NIH, Cochrane Library, Embase, MEDLINE via Ovid, Scopus, Web Of Science, PubMed, SciELO, MEDLINE and LILACS , Health Systems Evidence, PDQ Evidence, CRD Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health, INAHTA – International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment, and PEDro. Findings: The prevalence of constipation was reported in eight observational studies. Only two studies assessed the frequency of constipation as a primary objective; in the others, constipation was quoted along with the prevalence of the spectrum of gastrointestinal manifestations. Altogether, the publications included 2,018 patients, the reported prevalence varied from 10% to 57%. Only two of the six articles published after 2010 followed the definition recommended by the European Society. Conclusions: Constipation is a frequent but still insufficiently assessed complaint of Cystic Fibrosis patients. The use of diverse diagnostic criteria restricts comparison and epidemiological conclusions, future studies should compulsorily apply the European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition definition. Resumo Objetivo Revisar sistematicamente a literatura em busca de dados sobre a prevalência de constipação em pacientes com fibrose cística (FC), de acordo com as publicações nesse campo, que se referem parcialmente às diretrizes definidas pela European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN, 2010). Fontes de dados Revisão sistemática, selecionaram-se artigos com base no Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), incluindo todos os pacientes com FC de todas as faixas etárias. As fontes de informação foram selecionadas para identificar os artigos sem limitação de período para a pesquisa: CADTH (Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health), CINAHL Complete, Clinical Trials US NIH, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline via Ovid, Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, SciELO, Medline e Lilacs por meio da Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS), Health Systems Evidence, PDQ Evidence, CRD (Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health), INAHTA (International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment) e PEDRO. Achados A prevalência de constipação em pacientes com FC foi relatada em oito estudos observacionais. Apenas dois estudos avaliaram a frequência de constipação como objetivo primário; nos outros, a constipação foi citada juntamente com a prevalência do espectro de manifestações gastrointestinais. No total, as publicações incluíram 2.018 pacientes e a prevalência relatada variou amplamente, de 10 a 57%. Apenas dois dos seis artigos publicados após 2010 seguiram a definição recomendada pela ESPGHAN. Conclusões A constipação é uma queixa frequente, mas ainda insuficientemente avaliada, dos pacientes com FC. O uso de diversos critérios diagnósticos restringe as comparações e declarações epidemiológicas, de modo que futuros estudos deveriam aplicar a definição ESPGHAN de maneira compulsória.

A group of experts, leading specialists in the field of pediatric gastroenterology have prepared clinical recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of functional digestive disorders in children; they have summarized the international recommendations and domestic experience, suggesting the tactics of in everyday pediatrician’s practice. The second part of the guidelines discusses functional disorders with abdominal pain: functional nausea and vomiting, functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain. The authors have clarified the definitions, classification and criteria for the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome taking into account actual concepts. They also have defined current therapeutic principles. The diagnosis of functional nausea and vomiting, as well as functional abdominal pain, is rarely found in our pediatric practice, and therefore the detailed information provided on these diseases is of particular importance for a practitioner.

Sokolnyk Snizhana Vasylivna, Sorokman Tamila Vasylivna, Bodnar Ganna Borysivna, Moldovan Pavlo Mykhailovych, Loziuk Iryna Yaroslavivna, Vaskul Nadiia Yaroslavivna. Marker profile of digestive system organs comorbid pathology in children. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2020;10(10): 272-278. eISSN 2391-8306. DOI http://dx.doi.org/10.12775/JEHS.2020.10.10.026 https://apcz.umk.pl/czasopisma/index.php/JEHS/article/view/JEHS.2020.10.10.026 https://zenodo.org/record/4453198 The journal has had 5 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education parametric evaluation. § 8. 2) and § 12. 1. 2) 22.02.2019. © The Authors 2020; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author (s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non commercial license Share alike. (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 12.10.2020. Revised: 16.10.2020. Accepted: 30.10.2020. MARKER PROFILE OF DIGESTIVE SYSTEM ORGANS COMORBID PATHOLOGY IN CHILDREN Snizhana Vasylivna Sokolnyk, Tamila Vasylivna Sorokman, Ganna Borysivna Bodnar, Pavlo Mykhailovych Moldovan, Iryna Yaroslavivna Loziuk, Nadiia Yaroslavivna Vaskul Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine Sokolnyk Snizhana Vasylivna, head of the department of Pediatrics and Medical Genetics, DMS, MD, professor; e-mail: Sokolnyk.Snizhana@bsmu.edu.ua https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9399-4010 Abstract The article highlights the current state of the comorbid pathology of the digestive system problem in children. Attention is paid to the most significant trigger factors of comorbid pathology of the digestive system organs in children and they are given a prognostic assessment with the development of a mathematical model of developmental risk. Aim. To identify predictors of comorbid pathology of the digestive system in children and to determine their prognostic value. Material and methods. 115 children with comorbid pathology of the digestive system organs and 80 healthy children aged 7-18 years were examined. The state of biological, social and genealogical well-being was determined by means of questionnaires. Laboratory and instrumental studies were conducted in accordance to the Ministry of Health of Ukraine orders in the specialty "Pediatric Gastroenterology" with the informed consent of patients to participate in the study. Results. Etiologically determining risk factors for the development of comorbid pathology of the digestive system organs in children are unfavorable genealogical history with hereditary burden by both pedigrees, age and sex of the child, H. pylori infection, stress, vitamin D3 and iodine deficiency, endothelial dysfunction, disruptions of regional blood flow in the abdominal trunk, premorbid background. Conclusion. It is established that the risk of comorbid pathology of the digestive system in children will increase by 4.27 times if the child has identified by us non-modifying factors, and by 2.62 times under the influence of modifying factors. Key words: comorbid pathology; digestive system organs; children; risk factors.

Gastrointestinal tract symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and fever are common reasons for which parents take children to the pediatrician. An increasing prevalence of chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract and a decrease in the median age of their onset indicate the need to search for new diagnostic methods for differentiating inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) from other gastrointestinal tract diseases. An example of a novel biomarker is fecal calprotectin (FC), which is considered a noninvasive and useful marker of intestinal inflammation. This review summarizes currently available information on the use of FC in the diagnosis and monitoring of IBD in children. Additionally, it attempts to determine the course of action depending on the concentration of FC. Application of FC determination within the framework of primary medical care can decrease the number of children unnecessarily referred either to endoscopic or radiologic examination. There is a double advantage of calprotectin screening; for patients, it reduces delays in diagnosis and unnecessary exposure to endoscopy, and for doctors, it reduces pressure on endoscopy testing and facilitates decision-making. We emphasize the role of FC as a noninvasive marker, primarily in patients with IBD, in monitoring disease activity, predicting relapse, monitoring therapy efficacy, and monitoring postoperative relapses.

Neurogastroenterology and motility (NGM) disorders are common in childhood and are often very debilitating. Although pediatric gastroenterology fellows are expected to obtain training in the diagnosis and management of patients with these disorders, there is an ongoing concern for unmet needs and lack of exposure and standardized curriculum. In the context of tailoring training components, outcome and expressed needs of pediatric gastroenterology fellows and programs, members of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) and American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS) developed guidelines for NGM training in North America in line with specific expectations and goals of training as delineated through already established entrustable professional activities (EPAs). Members of the joint task force applied their expertise to identify the components of knowledge, skills, and management, which are expected of NGM consultants. The clinical knowledge, skills and management elements of the NGM curriculum are divided into domains based on anatomic regions including esophagus, stomach, small bowel, colon and anorectum. In addition, dedicated sections on pediatric functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, research and collaborative approach, role of behavioral health and surgical approaches to NGM disorders and transition from pediatric to adult neurogastroenterology are included in this document. Members of the NASPGHAN-ANMS task force anticipate that this document will serve as a resource to break existing barriers to pursuing a career in NGM and provide a framework towards uniform training expectations at 3 hierarchical tiers corresponding to EPA levels.

Introduction and aim: There are discrepancies in the diagnosis and management of cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) in Spain and Latin America. The aim of the present study was to find out how Spanish and Latin American pediatric gastroenterologists diagnose and treat CMPA. Materials and methods: Pediatric gastroenterologists, members of the Sociedad Latinoamericana de Gastroenterología, Hepatología y Nutrición, were invited to fill out a structured survey, the results of which were then compared with the 2012 and 2014 diagnosis and treatment guidelines, respectively. Results: The survey results showed that 17% of the participants follow the diagnostic recommendations based on the published consensus and guidelines. To diagnose non-IgE-mediated CMPA, 15% of the participants utilize IgE-specific skin prick tests, 22% use IgE-specific blood tests, and 45% employ oral food challenges. To diagnose IgE-mediated CMPA the percentages for the same diagnostic methods were 57%, 83% and 22%, respectively. Once diagnosis is confirmed, 98% of the participants provide dietary recommendations. In children that are not breastfed, 89% of the participants prescribe an initial extensively hydrolyzed formula, 9% an amino acid formula, 1% a soy formula, and 1% a hydrolyzed rice formula. In patients with IgE-mediated CMPA, 34% of the participants carry out an oral challenge once treatment is completed, 39% according to symptom severity, and 27% in relation to IgE-specific testing. Conclusion: CMPA management is diverse and there is poor adherence to the clinical practice guidelines. Resumen: Introducción: Existen discrepancias en el diagnóstico y manejo de alergia a las proteínas de la leche de vaca (APLV) en Iberolatinoamérica. El objetivo del estudio fue conocer la forma como el gastroenterólogo pediatra en iberolatinoamerica realiza el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de APLV. Material y métodos: Se invitó a los gastroenterólogos pediatras miembros de la Sociedad Latinoamericana de Gastroenterología, Hepatología y Nutrición a contestar una encuesta estructurada y se comparó con las pautas de diagnóstico y tratamiento expresadas en el consenso y la guía publicadas en 2012 y 2014 respectivamente. Resultados: El 17% sigue las recomendaciones diagnósticas basadas en la evidencia del consenso y guía publicada. Para la APLV no mediada por IgE (APLV-No IgE) el 15% utiliza pruebas cutáneas IgE específicas vs. 57% en las mediadas por IgE (APLV-IgE); el 22% vs. 83% realiza determinación de IgE específica en sangre, respectivamente. La confirmación diagnóstica con prueba de reto oral es realizada por el 45% vs. 22% respectivamente. Una vez confirmado el diagnóstico, el 98% entrega recomendaciones dietarias. En niños no alimentados con leche materna, el 89% inicia con fórmula extensamente hidrolizada, 9% con aminoacídica, 1% fórmula de soja y 1% fórmula de arroz hidrolizada. La prueba de tolerancia en APLV-IgE se realiza en el 34% una vez cumplido el tiempo de tratamiento, en el 39% según la gravedad de los síntomas, y en 27% con la negativización de test IgE específicos. Conclusión: Existe mucha diversidad en el manejo de la APLV y pobre adherencia a las guías de práctica clínica.

Background: Helicobacter pylori is a gram-negative helical microaerophilic flagellated bacterium contained by a majority of the world's population in the sterile gastric mucosa. It is considered as a significant pediatric gastroenterology pathogen that is acquired in early infancy. Objective: This study aimed to detect Helicobacter pylori infection in preschool children with iron deficiency anemia and compare them to a control healthy group. Patients and Methods: The present study was a single blinded randomized controlled interventional trail that was conducted in Pediatric and Clinical Pathology Departments, Zagazig University Children Hospital during the period from August 2017 to May 2018. 44 patients that were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group 1 included 22 diagnosed as iron deficiency anemia with Hb less than 11g/d. Group 2 included 22 apparently healthy children. Results: In the present study, we used H. pylori stool Ab test to detect Helicobacter pylori infection in the children of the study and it is found that there was increased incidence of H. pylori infection in group I (77.3% vs 4.5% in group II). Conclusions: There was significant increased incidence of Helicobacter pylori infection in children with iron deficiency anemia and children with refractory iron deficiency anemia compared to healthy ones. This indicates that Helicobacter pylori may be one of the significant causes of iron deficiency anemia and refractory iron deficiency anemia.