Prevention and treatment of post-infectious gastrointestinal disorders in infants

Background. Infants are at high risk of severe acute enteric infections (AEI). This group of children is characterized by the highest mortality rates from diarrhoeal diseases. Children with severe AEIs, primarily in the first year of life, have a high risk of forming functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). To date, the evaluation of the frequency and structure of post-infectious FGIDs in children of the first year of life as well as the development of possible measures for the prevention of this group of pathological conditions are of undeniable scientific interest. Objective. Determination of the most frequent factors predisposing to the development of post-infectious gastroenterological pathology, and assessment of possible methods for their prevention. Methods. The study included 69 children who had undergone AEI of known etiology. Verification of the diagnosis was carried out on the basis of modern laboratory diagnostic methods (cultural, molecular genetic, and serological methods). Results. Only 29 (42.0%) children during follow-up period showed no symptoms indicating the formation of FGIDs, and 40 (58%) had them. It has been shown that after the viral and bacterial AEI, the leading FGID is a constipation-type defecation disorder. Symptoms of «small diarrhea» and early satiety are slightly less common. The greatest positive effect in the treatment of post-infectious FGIDs was achieved as a result of a course of combination therapy and Bifiform baby. Conclusion. The findings indicate the need to identify high-risk groups for the formation of FGIDS among children who have undergone AEI, followed by long-term follow-up of reconvalescents, mandatory active detection of complaints and objective assessment of the child’s health in order to timely adequate therapeutic correction and improvement of the quality of life.

gastroenteritis, children, post-infectious functional gastrointestinal disorders, treatment, probiotics