Clinical Trial: Recurrent Abdominal Pain in Childhood -Characteristics and Course

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational

Official Title: Recurrent Abdominal Pain in Childhood, Characteristics and Course

Brief Summary:

Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) is a common complaint in childhood. Identification of the processes that maintain illness is important.

The purpose of this study is to get more knowledge about characteristics of children with recurrent abdominal pain and their parents, and about the course of their pain. These results may be important to identify children who need treatment.

Detailed Summary:

BACKGROUND:

Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP), mainly constituted by functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID), affects a significant number of children, and is a result of a complex interaction between biopsychosocial factors. Despite the seemingly benign nature of RAP, in some children RAP is associated with school absenteeism, functional impairment and frequent doctor visits. Identification of the processes that maintain illness is important. These results may be important to identify children who need treatment.

AIMS:

The aims of this study are to characterize children with RAP (in four out-patient clinics) and their parents, describe outcome and determine predictors of persistent RAP in children.

SAMPLE:

150 pediatric patients (4-15 years), their parents and teachers. Consecutive new patients referred to four pediatric out-patients clinics for evaluation of abdominal pain (primary complaint). Patients with RAP (abdominal pain at least once a month, in three consecutive months during the last year, and whose pains are severe enough to affect daily activity) are eligible.

DESIGN: A prospective cohort study.

MEASUREMENT:

All pediatric patients will undergo a complete physical examination emphasizing diagnosing organic illness and FGID according to the international ROME classification. Routine laboratory will be done. A protocol to identify somatic causes is part of the study. In addition, parents will complete validated questionnaires regarding their child`s physical/psychological health, temperamental characteristics and soc
Sponsor: Sykehuset Innlandet HF

Current Primary Outcome:

Original Primary Outcome:

Current Secondary Outcome:

Original Secondary Outcome:

Information By: Sykehuset Innlandet HF

Dates:
Date Received: April 3, 2006
Date Started: February 2006
Date Completion:
Last Updated: May 22, 2008
Last Verified: May 2008