Functional dyspepsia in children

Abstract

Functional dyspepsia in children is classified as a subset of functional pediatric gastrointestinal disorders. According to ROME II criteria, it is divided into 3 groups including ulcer-like dyspepsia, dysmotility-like dyspepsia and unspecified (non-specific) dyspepsia. Prevalence of functional dyspepsia had been reported around 3/5 of children and adolescents who presented with clinical dyspepsia. Therefore, the appropriated investigations and management should be employed to rule out the possible organic causes of dyspepsia. To date there is no controlled treatment trial in children, however, from adult studies, histamine 2 receptor antagonists or proton pump inhibitor or prokinetic drugs are reasonable to be used as the first line treatment. As there are limited studies on childhood functional dyspepsia, we suggest that the good designed studies from children in all fields of this topic are required to ensure the appropriated recommendation.