Clinical Review
The American Journal of Gastroenterology (2005) 100, 1868–1875; doi:10.1111/j.1572-0241.2005.41893.x
The Epidemiology of Childhood Recurrent Abdominal Pain in Western Countries: A Systematic Review
Denesh K Chitkara MD1, David J Rawat MD1,2 and Nicholas J Talley MD, PhD2
- 1Motility Unit, Division of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts;
- 2Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research (C.E.N.T.E.R.) Program, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota
Correspondence: Denesh K Chitkara, MD, Children's Hospital Boston, Department of Gastroenterology, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115
Received 3 December 2004; Revised 0000; Accepted 19 February 2005.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) of childhood is a common problem encountered by clinicians. The aim of this study was to systematically review published literature about the prevalence, incidence, natural history, and co-morbid conditions of childhood RAP in western countries.
METHODS:
A computer-assisted search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Current Contents/Science Edition databases was performed. Study selection criteria included: (1) United States and European population and school-based samples of children; (2) diagnostic criteria of RAP; and (3) published in full manuscript form in English. Data were extracted, tabulated, and presented in descriptive form.
RESULT:
The prevalence of RAP ranged from 0.3 to 19% (median 8.4; IQR 2.3–14.7). Published studies in children demonstrate a higher prevalence of RAP in females, with the highest prevalence of symptoms between 4 and 6 yr and early adolescence. Identified studies demonstrated associations between RAP and the child's familial and socioeconomic environment. In addition, childhood RAP was reported to be associated with psychological co-morbidity in childhood and adulthood. Population/school-based studies have not, however, established the incidence of this disorder, what features predict long-standing symptoms, or whether RAP is a risk factor for adult functional bowel disorders.
CONCLUSION:
RAP is a common complaint of childhood with associated familial, psychological, and co-morbid conditions. Epidemiologic studies of RAP in children may offer information on the evolution of functional bowel disorders through the lifespan.
