ABSTRACT
Purpose@#The present international survey among healthcare providers aimed to collect data on theoretical knowledge and clinical practices in the diagnosis and management of cow’s milk protein allergy (CMPA) and lactose intolerance (LI) in infants. @*Methods@#A global survey was conducted in several countries with diverse health care settings. The survey consisted of multiple-choice questions in 3 main domains: (1) understanding and clinical practices around CMPA and LI; (2) case scenarios; and (3) diseasespecific knowledge and potential educational needs. @*Results@#Responses were available from 1,663 participants. About 62% of respondents were general practitioners or general pediatricians, and the remainder were pediatric allergists/ gastroenterologists (18%) or other health practitioners (20%). The survey identified knowledge gaps regarding the types of CMPA (IgE-mediated vs. non-IgE-mediated) and the clinical overlap with LI. The survey suggested diverse clinical practices regarding the use of hypoallergenic formulas, as well as misconceptions about the prebiotic benefits of lactose in extensively hydrolyzed formulas in non-breastfed infants with CMPA. Responses to the two case scenarios highlighted varying levels of awareness of the relevant clinical practice guidelines. While respondents generally felt confident in managing infants with CMPA and LI, about 80% expressed an interest for further training in this area. @*Conclusion@#The current survey identified some knowledge gaps and regional differences in the management of infants with CMPA or LI. Local educational activities among general and pediatric healthcare providers may increase the awareness of clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of both conditions and help improve clinical outcomes.
ABSTRACT
The occurrence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) is a formidable challenge for infants, parents, and healthcare professionals. Although data from the Middle East are scarce, experts consider FGIDs a prevalent condition in everyday clinical practice. The new Rome IV criteria revisited the definitions from a clinical perspective to provide a practical and consistent diagnostic protocol for FGIDs. However, the treatment practices for functional disorders vary considerably among Middle Eastern countries, often resulting in mismanagement with unnecessary investigations and treatments. In addition, the role of various treatment modalities, including probiotics such as Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, in FGIDs requires further discussion and evaluation. During a consensus meeting, a locally relevant approach for treating common FGIDs such as infant regurgitation, infant colic, and functional constipation was discussed and approved by regional experts. The participants suggested a simplified treatment plan and protocol for general pediatricians and other primary care physicians managing FGIDs.This easy-to-follow standardized protocol will help streamline the initial management of this complex disorder in the Middle East region and even globally.
ABSTRACT
The occurrence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) is a formidable challenge for infants, parents, and healthcare professionals. Although data from the Middle East are scarce, experts consider FGIDs a prevalent condition in everyday clinical practice. The new Rome IV criteria revisited the definitions from a clinical perspective to provide a practical and consistent diagnostic protocol for FGIDs. However, the treatment practices for functional disorders vary considerably among Middle Eastern countries, often resulting in mismanagement with unnecessary investigations and treatments. In addition, the role of various treatment modalities, including probiotics such as Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938, in FGIDs requires further discussion and evaluation. During a consensus meeting, a locally relevant approach for treating common FGIDs such as infant regurgitation, infant colic, and functional constipation was discussed and approved by regional experts. The participants suggested a simplified treatment plan and protocol for general pediatricians and other primary care physicians managing FGIDs.This easy-to-follow standardized protocol will help streamline the initial management of this complex disorder in the Middle East region and even globally.
ABSTRACT
This paper covers algorithms for the management of regurgitation, constipation and infantile colic in infants. Anti-regurgitation formula may be considered in infants with troublesome regurgitation, while diagnostic investigations or drug therapy are not indicated in the absence of warning signs. Although probiotics have shown some positive evidence for the management of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), the evidence is not strong enough to make a recommendation. A partially hydrolyzed infant formula with prebiotics and β-palmitate may be considered as a dietary intervention for functional constipation in formula fed infants. Lactulose has been shown to be effective and safe in infants younger than 6 months that are constipated. Macrogol (polyethylene glycol, PEG) is not approved for use in infants less than 6 months of age. However, PEG is preferred over lactulose in infants >6 months of age. Limited data suggests that infant formula with a partial hydrolysate, galacto-oligosaccharides/fructo-oligosaccharides, added β-palmitate may be of benefit in reducing infantile colic in formula fed infants in cases where cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) is not suspected. Evidence suggests that the use of extensively hydrolyzed infant formula for a formula-fed baby and a cow's milk free diet for a breastfeeding mother may be beneficial to decrease infantile colic if CMPA is suspected. None of the FGIDs is a reason to stop breastfeeding.
Subject(s)
Humans , Infant , Breast Feeding , Colic , Consensus , Constipation , Diagnosis , Diarrhea , Diet , Drug Therapy , Gastrointestinal Diseases , Hypersensitivity , Infant Formula , Lactulose , Middle East , Milk , Milk Proteins , Mothers , Polyethylene Glycols , Prebiotics , ProbioticsABSTRACT
The authors wish to make the following corrections to Table 4 and Fig. 3.