Current Pediatric Research

Objective: To evaluate the spectrum of causes of Recurrent Abdominal Pain (RAP) in children in tertiary institute and need of change in management.

Study design: Hospital based prospective study was done on 85 children (5 to 15 years) attending tertiary centre, fulfilling Apley’s criteria of RAP. Detailed history and clinical presentation was recorded from each subject and underwent routine investigations (urine, stool analysis, complete blood picture, USG abdomen). Treatment was given according to hospital protocols and 79 were followed up for period of 3 months to evaluate the cause and response of RAP. Chi-square (χ²) (categorical data) and student’s t test (quantitative data) were used.

Results: Out of total 79 patients of RAP, 44 (55.7%) were males and 35 (44.3%) were females majorities (73.41%) were falling into age group of 5 to 10 yrs with male predominence. Amongst various causes, 18 (22.78%) were attributed to organic cause and 61(77.21%) to nonorganic cause. Periumblical type of pain, nausea, headache, affected scholastic performance (20 of 61), school absentism (35 of 61), poor socioeconomic status (17 of 61), poor eating habits (15), stressor of adjustment problem and sibling rivalry (16) were significantly associated with non-non-organic RAP.

Conclusion: We found statistically significant number of children presenting with RAP were nonorganic type. Lifestyle changes, food habits, adjustment disorder, parental anxiety and siblingrivalry were their significant associations. More studies are needed to emphasize the inclusion of psychiatric evaluation and behavioral therapy in every case of RAP for a timely and appropriate management.

Author(s): Varsha Mane, Minakshi Bhat, Anjali OTIV, Chandrashekhar Koli

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