Quality of Life of Infants with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Large Prospective Observational Study

Authors

  • Camille Jung Clinical Research Center, Créteil Intercommunal Hospital Center, 40 avenue de Verdun; 94000 Créteil, France
  • Laurence Beck Nestlé France, 7 boulevard Pierre Carle, BP 900 Noisiel, 77446 Marne-la-Vallée Cedex, France
  • Thierry Hanh Nestlé France, 7 boulevard Pierre Carle, BP 900 Noisiel, 77446 Marne-la-Vallée Cedex, France
  • Marc Bellaiche Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Robert Debré University Hospital, APHP, 48 boulevard Sérurier, 75019 Paris, France

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-4247.2017.06.02.2

Keywords:

functional gastrointestinal disorder, infant, quality of life, QUALIN, nutrition

Abstract

Background: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are very common during infancy, leading to frequent medical consultations. The aim of this large, prospective study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) and clinical management of infants with FGID.

Methods: Completely or partially bottle-fed infants under 5 months old, presenting one or more FGID (regurgitation, constipation, diarrhea, crying/fussing), were enrolled during initial consultation by 111 pediatricians in private practice throughout France and reassessed at one month. Parents were asked to complete the QUALIN QoL questionnaire at inclusion and at Day 15.

Results: A total of 815 infants (mean age 2.1±1.2 months) were evaluable. Mean QoL score improved from +27.2±15.1 at inclusion to +38.0±12.9 at day 15 (p<0.0001) irrespective of FGID symptoms. Multivariate analysis indicated that younger age, dietary advice, and partial breastfeeding were associated with better QoL outcome. Gastrointestinal symptoms showed significant regression at Day 30. The number of bottle feeds followed by external reflux episodes decreased from 80.0±27.4% to 36.1±31.4% at Day 30 (p<0.0001), the weekly number of stools increasing from 3.9±4.0 to 8.0±3.7 (p<0.0001).

Conclusion: Medical management based on information, reassurance, lifestyle advice and dietary intervention improved QoL in infants with FGID and led to a reduction in FGID symptoms.

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Published

2017-05-24

How to Cite

Jung, C., Beck, L., Hanh, T., & Bellaiche, M. (2017). Quality of Life of Infants with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Large Prospective Observational Study. International Journal of Child Health and Nutrition, 6(2), 62–69. https://doi.org/10.6000/1929-4247.2017.06.02.2

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General Articles