Improvement Of Symptoms In Children Research Articles

Effect of CYP2D6 genetic variation on patient-reported symptom improvement and side effects among children and adolescents treated with amphetamines.

Amphetamine-based medications are recommended as a first-line pharmacotherapy for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder in children and adolescents. However, the efficacy and tolerability of these medications vary across individuals, which could be related to interindividual differences in amphetamine metabolism. This study examined if genotype-predicted phenotypes of the cytochrome P450 isozyme CYP2D6 were associated with self-reported side effects and symptom improvement in youth treated with amphetamines. Two hundred fourteen participants aged 6-24 who had a history of past or current amphetamine treatment were enrolled from Western Canada. Amphetamine dose and duration information was collected from the participants along with questions regarding adherence, concomitant medications, symptom improvement and side effects. DNA was extracted from saliva samples and genotyped for CYP2D6 . Binomial logistic regression models were used to determine the effect of CYP2D6 metabolizer phenotype with and without correction for phenoconversion on self-reported symptom improvement and side effects. Genotype-predicted CYP2D6 poor metabolizers had significantly higher odds of reporting symptom improvement when compared to intermediate metabolizers (OR = 3.67, 95% CI = 1.15-11.7, P = 0.029) after correction for phenoconversion and adjusting for sex, age, dose, duration, and adherence. There was no association between CYP2D6 metabolizer phenotype and self-reported side effects. Our findings indicate that phenoconverted and genotype-predicted CYP2D6 poor metabolizer phenotype is significantly associated with higher odds of symptom improvement in children and adolescents treated with amphetamine. If replicated, these results could inform the development of future dosing guidelines for amphetamine treatment in children and adolescents.

Improvement of symptoms in children with autism by TOMATIS training: a cross-sectional and longitudinal study.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological condition that is marked by deficits in social interaction, difficulty expressing oneself, lack of enthusiasm, and stereotypical conduct. The TOMATIS training method is an effective music therapy for children with ASD for its individually developed programs to improve behavioral deficits. The research employed both longitudinal and crosssectional designs. In the cross-sectional study, the experimental group showed significant improvement in symptoms after TOMATIS training compared to the control group of children with ASD. The results validated the effect of TOMATIS treatment for ASD-related deficits, including perceptual-motor, attentional, social, and emotional issues. ASD's auditory hypersensitivity hampers social information processing, but TOMATIS enhances cochlear frequency selectivity, aiding in capturing relevant auditory stimuli. In addition, the longitudinal study confirmed these findings, which proved TOMATIS training effective in clinically treating ASD. This study focused on audiometric indicators and behavioural improvement, elucidating the mechanisms behind the training's success. Behavioral improvements might stem from TOMATIS' frequency selectivity, reshaping auditory organ-cortical feedback loops to filter interference and focus on valid information.

The Impact of Integrating a Low-Lectin Diet with Traditional ADHD Treatments on Gut Microbiota Composition and Symptom Improvement in Children - A Cohort Study.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of implementing a low-lectin diet on gut microbiota composition and symptom amelioration in pediatric patients diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A total of 58 children (ages 7-15 years), meeting the criteria for ADHD were recruited. In addition to standard medication treatment, participants in the experimental group with a low-lectin diet, while those in the control group received standard medication treatment alone. Clinical outcomes were assessed through evaluations conducted by physicians and teachers, implementation of the Conners Parent Rating Scales, and analysis of gut microbiota composition. The results revealed significant improvements in symptom reduction and attention allocation rate within the experimental group, surpassing those observed in the control group. Specifically, the experimental group exhibited lower physician ratings, teacher ratings, and attention allocation rate compared to the control group. Moreover, analysis of gut microbiota composition identified notable distinctions between the two groups. These findings provide compelling evidence and valuable guidance supporting the integration of a low-lectin diet as an adjunctive intervention for managing ADHD.

Probiotics as a Promising Therapy in Improvement of Symptoms in Children With ADHD: A Systematic Review

Background: ADHD is widely recognized as the most prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder in children. Recently, the potential role of gut microbiota as an etiological factor in ADHD has gained attention. This systematic review aims to investigate the potential impact of probiotic supplements on alleviating ADHD symptoms and influencing behavior. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SCOPUS were searched from inception to May 2023. Only randomized controlled trials that have suitable data of the effects of probiotics/synbiotics on children with ADHD were enrolled. The risk of bias of the included studies was assessed by Cochrane Collaboration risk of bias tool. Results: Five related randomized controlled trial were evaluated in the current review. Types of interventions ranged from single/multi strain probiotics to synbiotic. The duration of intervention in all of the studies were 2 to 3 months. The assessed outcomes were very diverse and different tools were used to report the symptoms in children. Among those which used Conners’ Parent Rating Scale, a decrease in the total score occurred in the probiotic group, compared to the placebo group. An improvement in both intervention and control groups was seen in one study which used ADHD-Rating Scale. Conclusion: In summary, the combined findings from the reviewed studies suggest that probiotic supplements might potentially serve as a complementary intervention for ADHD. However, given the small number of studies, limited sample sizes, and the diversity of probiotic strains, further research is needed to clarify the effects of probiotics in children with ADHD. The observed tolerability of probiotics is noteworthy as none of the studies report adverse effects.

Decreased Functional and Structural Connectivity is Associated with Core Symptom Improvement in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder After Mini-basketball Training Program.

Exercise intervention has been proven helpful to ameliorate core symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we carried out a 12-week mini-basketball training program (MBTP) on ASD children and examined the changes of brain functional and structural networks before and after exercise intervention.We applied individual-based method to construct functional network and structural morphological network, and investigated their alterations following MBTP as well as their associations with the change in core symptom. Structural MRI and resting-state functional MRI data were obtained from 58 ASD children aged 3-12 years (experiment group: n = 32, control group: n = 26).ASD children who received MBTP intervention showed several distinguishable alternations compared to the control without special intervention. These included decreased functional connectivity within the sensorimotor network (SM) and between SM and the salience network, decreased morphological connectivity strength in a cortical-cortical network centered on the left inferior temporal gyrus, and a subcortical-cortical network centered on the left caudate. Particularly, the aforementioned functional and structural changes induced by MBTP were associated with core symptoms of ASD.Our findings suggested that MBTP intervention could be an effective approach to improve core symptoms in ASD children, decrease connectivity in both structure and function networks, and may drive the brain change towards normal-like neuroanatomy.

Sclerotherapy of Venous Malformations Using Polidocanol: Effectiveness, Safety, and Predictors of Outcomes and Adverse Events

PurposeTo assess the effectiveness, safety, and predictors of outcomes and adverse events for percutaneous sclerotherapy using polidocanol for the treatment of venous malformations (VMs). MethodsA retrospective single-center analysis was performed, including patients with VMs who were treated with sclerotherapy using polidocanol between January 2011 and November 2021 at a tertiary center. Demographic characteristics, clinical data, and radiologic features were analyzed, and the influence of patient- and VM-related factors on the subjective clinical outcome and adverse events were investigated using a multivariate logistic regression analysis. ResultsIn total, 167 patients who received 325 treatment sessions were included in this study. Overall symptom improvement was observed in 67.5%, stable symptoms were observed in 25.0%, and worsening was reported in 7.5% (clinical follow-up, 1.04 ± 1.67 years). The total adverse event rate was 10.2%, with an overall rate of 4.2% for permanent adverse events within the cohort. In multivariate analysis, the clinical outcome was worse in children (P = .01; 57.1% symptom improvement in children [age, <18 years] and 79.7% in adults), and adverse events were more frequently observed after the treatment of VMs located at the extremities (P < .01; 8.4% for VMs of the extremities and 1.2% for VMs in other locations). ConclusionsSclerotherapy using polidocanol can be an effective treatment option for VMs with an acceptable safety profile. However, it can be less effective in children, and adverse events can be more frequently expected for VMs of the extremities.

Effect of caregiver intervention nursing based on two-factor theory on compliance behavior and symptom improvement in children with functional dyspepsia

Effect of caregiver intervention nursing based on two-factor theory on compliance behavior and symptom improvement in children with functional dyspepsia

Utilization of intranasal ipratropium bromide in the prevention of recurrent croup events: Is it effective?

Recurrent croup (RC) is a common problem in the pediatric population. We theorize that reduced rhinorrhea and post-nasal drip as well as suppressed cough receptor activity by the anticholinergic, intranasal ipratropium bromide (IB), may lead to reduced inflammation and edema of the subglottis, decreasing RC symptoms. The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of IB in improving symptoms of RC and in reducing the need for alternative forms of management. A retrospective chart review combined with survey data of patients with RC was conducted to assess demographic data, comorbidities, and treatment outcomes. Pediatric patients less than 10 years of age diagnosed with RC through the department of pediatric otolaryngology between 2018 and 2020 were included. Results were compared between one group treated with IB for RC and a second group treated with medications other than IB. Among the 67 patients treated for RC, 34 completed survey data and were included in the study. Overall, patients who were treated with IB for RC had 1.83 less croup episodes per year (p=0.046), a 0.5-point improvement in child symptoms (p=0.017) and 1.3 fewer doses of steroids per year than the patients not treated with IB (p=0.018). Patients treated with IB were significantly more likely to answer "yes," that the use of medication helped improve symptoms (p<0.01). Intranasal IB is a novel therapeutic option that may reduce RC events, improve patient symptoms and reduce steroid use. Further prospective studies are needed to definitively characterize the benefits of IB in the treatment of RC.

The Effectiveness of Synbiotic on the Improvement of Clinical Symptoms in Children with Eosinophilic Esophagitis.

Background Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an allergic inflammatory disorder of the esophagus. Today, probiotics are included as adjuvant therapy in the treatment of allergic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of synbiotic on clinical symptom improvement in EoE patients. Methods This study is designed by a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial with two parallel groups, which was performed on 30 children with eosinophilic esophagitis. All participants were children aged 6 months to 15 years. Both groups received the same treatment (elimination diet, topical steroid, and proton pump inhibitor). A synbiotic (KidiLact) was added to the medication regimen of 15 patients (case), while the next 15 patients received a placebo (control). Severity and frequency of symptoms were assessed with a checklist derived from a validated scoring tool in both groups before and after 8 weeks of treatment. Results There was a significant reduction in the severity score of chest pain and poor appetite (P value < 0.05) in the case group taking probiotics, while nausea and poor appetite were the only symptoms with a significant reduction in the frequency score after intervention in this group. Conclusion Probiotics can be used as adjuvant treatment for patients with EoE. Improvement in the severity of chest pain and poor appetite and reduction in the frequency of nausea and poor appetite in these patients can be seen.

Depicting the composition of gut microbiota in children with tic disorders: an exploratory study.

Symptom improvement in children with tic disorder (TD) following fecal microbiota transplantation led us to investigate the gut microbiota in TD. This exploratory study aims to depict the gut microbial profile in patients with TD and explore the impact of dopamine receptor antagonist (DRA) drugs on the composition and metabolic function of the gut microbiota. The gut microbiota were profiled in fecal samples of 49 children with TD and 50 matched healthy controls (HC) using shotgun metagenomic sequencing. A random forest (RF) model was constructed using the gut bacterial species to distinguish TD from HC. Associations between clinical metadata and microbial abundance or function were analyzed using MaAsLin2 and Spearman correlation. The gut microbiota in children with TD was featured by higher abundances of Bacteroides plebeius and Ruminococcus lactaris (a potential pro-inflammatory taxon) and lower abundances of Prevotella stercorea and Streptococcus lutetiensis compared to HC. The constructed RF model accurately distinguished TD from HC based on the gut microbiota profile, resulting in an AUC of 0.884. Significant correlations were observed between tic symptom severity and the abundances of multiple bacterial species and gut microbiota metabolic functions. Multivariate analysis identified an upregulation of 4-aminobutanoate (GABA) degradation in the gut microbiota associated with TD status. The gut microbiota of DRA-treated TD children showed a distinct gut microbiota compared to the treatment-naïve group, represented by an increase in some potential enteric pathogens such as Escherichia coli, a decline in several species including Akkermansia muciniphila, and alterations in various metabolic functions. Bacterial species promoting inflammatory responses and those modulating neurotransmitters such as GABA may be involved in the pathogenesis of TD. The use of DRA drugs is likely to induce overgrowth of some enteric pathogens and alter the gut microbiota metabolism.

Comparison of the effect of polyethylene glycol and simultaneous administration of polyethylene glycol with probiotics in the treatment of chronic functional constipation: a clinical trial

Background and aims: Constipation is one of the most common issues in pediatrics. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of polyethylene glycol and the simultaneous administration of polyethylene glycol along with probiotics in the treatment of chronic functional constipation. Materials and Methods: In this randomized double-blind clinical trial, 150 children with chronic functional constipation referred to Imam Ali Clinic affiliated with Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences from 2017 to 2018 were included. The first group (A) consumed 1 g/ kg of body weight per day of water-soluble polyethylene glycol powder and the second group (B) consumed a probiotic powder and 1 g/kg of body weight of the water-soluble polyethylene glycol powder daily. In weeks 0, 1, and 2, questionnaires were filled out by the parents of the children and the data were analyzed. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference in any of the variables between groups A and B (P=0.07) including the frequency of fecal excretion in week 1 (77% and 71%) and week 2 (4% and 5.4%) and stool consistency in week 1 (4% and 6.7%) and week 2 (86.7% and 92%). Moreover, there was no significant difference between groups A and B in any of the variables frequency of painful excretion in week 1 (74% and 73%, respectively) and week 2 (5.3% and 4%, respectively), frequency of abdominal pain in week 1 (61.3% and 49.3%, respectively) and week 2 (4% and 5.3%, respectively), and the frequency of fecal incontinence in week 1 (22.77% and 18.7%, respectively) and week 2 (6.7% and 1.3%) (P&gt;0.05, respectively). Conclusion: Our results indicated that the administration of probiotic supplement (Lactobacillus Rhamnosus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillous Bulgaricus) has no effect on the improvement of symptoms in children with chronic constipation.

Vitamin D Supplementation is Beneficial for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Meta-analysis.

ObjectiveWe conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to explore whether vitamin D supplementation is beneficial for symptom improvement in children with autism spectrum disorder.MethodsWe systematically searched the PubMed database, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Sino-Med, Wanfang Data, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure mainly up to September 2019. Using a fixed effects model, we calculated the standard mean difference with 95% confidence interval. Furthermore, we analyzed baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels and outcome scores including the Social Responsiveness Scale and Child Autism Rating Scale scores after vitamin D supplementation.ResultsThere was no significant difference in baseline serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels among 203 children included from three studies in the meta-analysis. After vitamin D supplementation, the outcome scores in the experimental group were dramatically elevated compared with those in the control group (p = 0.03).ConclusionVitamin D supplementation improves the typical symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, as indicated by reduced Social Responsiveness Scale and Child Autism Rating Scale scores; thus, it is beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder.

Symptom improvement in children with autism spectrum disorder following bumetanide administration is associated with decreased GABA/glutamate ratios

Bumetanide has been reported to alter synaptic excitation–inhibition (E-I) balance by potentiating the action of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), thereby attenuating the severity of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in animal models. However, clinical evidence of its efficacy in young patients with ASD is limited. This was investigated in the present clinical trial of 83 patients, randomised to the bumetanide group (bumetanide treatment, 0.5 mg twice daily) or the control group (no bumetanide treatment). Primary [Children Autism Rating Scale (CARS)], secondary [Clinical Global Impressions (CGI)], and exploratory [inhibitory (γ-aminobutyric acid, GABA) and excitatory (glutamate, Glx) neurotransmitter concentrations measured in the insular cortex (IC) and visual cortex (VC) by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS)] outcome measures were evaluated at baseline and at the 3-month follow-up. Side effects were monitored throughout the treatment course. Compared with the control group, the bumetanide group showed significant reduction in symptom severity, as indicated by both total CARS score and number of items assigned a score ≥ 3. The improvement in clinical symptoms was confirmed by CGI. GABA/Glx ratio in both the IC and VC decreased more rapidly over the 3-month period in the bumetanide group than that in the control group. This decrease in the IC was associated with the symptom improvement in the bumetanide group. Our study confirmed the clinical efficacy of bumetanide on alleviating the core symptoms of ASD in young children and it is the first demonstration that the improvement is associated with reduction in GABA/Glx ratios. This study suggests that the GABA/Glx ratio measured by MRS may provide a neuroimaging biomarker for assessing treatment efficacy for bumetanide.

Complementary and Integrative Management of Pediatric Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Implemented within an Interprofessional Clinic.

Lower urinary tract dysfunction in children is a common multifactorial functional problem that often correlates with bowel dysfunction and behavioral disorders. Ideal management combines integrative therapies that optimize bladder and bowel habits, address behavioral issues, foster mind–body connection, and improve pelvic floor muscle dysfunction. Movement therapies that teach diaphragmatic breathing and relaxation, mind–body awareness, and healthy pelvic floor muscle function are vital for long-term symptom improvement in children. This paper outlines recommendations for integrative management of these patients and discusses a recently developed interprofessional clinic that aims to better meet these patients’ complex needs and to provide patients with an integrated holistic plan of care. Additional work is needed to scientifically assess these treatment models and educate providers across the various disciplines that evaluate and treat these patients.

Change in mental health symptoms in families with nonresponding children referred to inpatient family units.

Aims:To examine changes in child mental health symptoms following inpatient family unit treatment after long-term unsuccessful treatment in community and child psychiatry outpatient services. Follow-up from referral and admission to 3 and 12 months.Methods:Standardized questionnaires measuring the child mental health symptoms and parental anxiety and depression converted to standardized scores and compared to each child’s clinical diagnosis.Results:Significant group mean improvement on almost all problem scales at the 3-month follow-up (T2) remaining through 12-month follow-up (T3) relative to admission (T1). Aggression showed the highest levels and largest improvements. Statistically significant improvements were widespread, whereas clinically significant improvements were found for some diagnostic groups on diagnosis-related problems and secondary problems. Improvement in child symptoms were partly correlated with improvement in parental anxiety symptoms.Implications:Even previously nonresponding children may benefit from broad tailored interventions including parents and the wider system. Development of systematic component approaches is needed.

Effect of HLD200 on Caregiver-Reported ADHD Symptom Improvement in Children With ADHD and Caregiver Strain: Results from a Phase 3 Trial

Effect of HLD200 on Caregiver-Reported ADHD Symptom Improvement in Children With ADHD and Caregiver Strain: Results from a Phase 3 Trial

129 Effect of DR/ER-MPH on Caregiver-Reported ADHD Symptom Improvement in Children With ADHD and Caregiver Strain: Results From a Phase 3 Trial

AbstractObjectiveEvening-dosed DR/ER-MPH (formerly HLD200), a delayed-release and extended-release methylphenidate, was designed to provide efficacy upon awakening and through the evening. The objective was to evaluate whether treatment with DR/ER-MPH in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): (1) improves caregiver-rated ADHD symptoms, and (2) reduces caregiver strain, versus placebo.MethodCaregiver-rated ADHD symptoms (Conners’ Global Index–Parent [CGI-P]) and caregiver strain (Caregiver Strain Questionnaire [CGSQ]) were assessed as secondary endpoints following 3 weeks of treatment in a randomized, double-blind, multicenter, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, phase 3 trial of DR/ER-MPH in children (6-12 years) with ADHD (NCT02520388). Using the 10-item CGI-P, parents rated their child’s ADHD symptoms on a 4-point scale (0=never/seldom; 3=very often/frequently). Caregivers also rated the impact of caring for a child with emotional and behavioral challenges on the 21-item CGSQ (5-point scale: 1=not at all; 5=very much). A reduction on individual item and total scores for both measures indicated an improvement.ResultsOf 163 children enrolled across 22 sites, 161 were included in the intent-to-treat population (DR/ER-MPH, n=81; placebo, n=80) and 138 completed the study. The mean DR/ER-MPH dose after 3 weeks of treatment was 68.1 mg. Mean CGI-P scores at baseline and CGSQ scores at screening (ie, before washout of prior ADHD therapy) were comparable for both DR/ER-MPH (CGI-P: 22.8, CGSQ: 54.5) and placebo (CGI-P: 21.8; CGSQ: 54.9) groups. After 3 weeks of treatment, caregivers of children onDR/ER-MPH reported significant reductions in CGI-P scores versus those on placebo (least-squares [LS] mean: 12.3 vs 17.4; P&lt;0.001). Additionally, there was a significant reduction in CGSQ scores after 3 weeks of treatment with DR/ER-MPH versus placebo (LS mean: 41.2 vs 49.1; P&lt;0.001). Post hoc analyses on the effect of DR/ER-MPHversus placebo on individual items of CGI-P and CGSQ, and the two subscales of CGI-P will be presented. No serious TEAEs were reported and all TEAEs were consistent with those of MPH.ConclusionsCaregivers reported significant improvements in their child’s ADHD symptoms and these improvements coincided with reductions in caregiver strain after 3 weeks of treatment on evening-dosed DR/ER-MPH versus placebo.Funding AcknowledgementsIronshore Pharmaceuticals &amp; Development, Inc.

Stress reactivity predicts symptom improvement in children with anxiety disorders

BackgroundWe examined the longitudinal associations of autonomic nervous system (ANS) and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis rest and reactivity measures with anxiety and depressive symptoms at one-year follow-up in children with anxiety disorders. MethodsIn a clinical sample of 152 children with a primary DSM-IV anxiety disorder, aged 8 to 12 years, anxiety and depressive symptoms were assessed with the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children and the Children's Depression Inventory at pre-treatment baseline and one year later, after treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy. At baseline, children participated in a 70min stress task. Salivary cortisol was measured directly prior to and 20min post stress task. Skin conductance level (SCL), heart rate and high frequency heart rate variability (HRV) were continuously measured during rest and the stress task. To investigate if rest or reactivity measures predicted anxiety and depressive symptoms at one year follow-up, linear regression analyses were conducted for rest and reactivity measures of SCL, heart rate, HRV and cortisol separately. ResultsHigher SCL reactivity predicted less decrease of anxiety symptoms at one-year follow-up. Cortisol reactivity showed a weak association with depressive symptoms at one-year follow-up: lower cortisol reactivity predicted less decrease in depressive symptoms. LimitationsOnly self-reported anxiety and depressive symptoms were used. However, all predictors were objective biological measures, hence there is no risk of shared method variance bias. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that pre-treatment HPA and ANS responsiveness to stress are predictive biomarkers for a lack of symptom improvement in children with a clinical anxiety disorder.

Prediction of symptom improvement in children with biliary dyskinesia

BackgroundRates of cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia are rising. Our objective was to identify clinical determinants of symptom improvement in children undergoing cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included patients undergoing cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia from 2006–2013 who had their gallbladder ejection fraction (EF) measured by either cholecystokinin-stimulated hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid scan and/or fatty meal ultrasound. Patients presenting from 2010–2013 were interviewed >1 y after cholecystectomy to determine symptom improvement, complete symptom resolution, and any postoperative clinical interventions related to biliary dyskinesia. Sensitivity and positive predictive values for the diagnostic tests for symptom improvement were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify preoperative characteristics associated with symptom improvement. ResultsOf the 153 included patients, 76% were female, 89% were Caucasian, and 39% were obese. At postoperative evaluation, symptom improvement was reported by 82% of the patients and complete symptom resolution in 56%. For both the hepatobiliary iminodiacetic acid and fatty meal ultrasound, the sensitivity of the test to predict symptom improvement increased with higher EF, whereas the positive predictive values remained around 80%. Of the 41 patients who participated in phone interview for long-term follow-up, 85% reported symptom improvement and 44% reported complete symptom resolution. Factors associated with symptom improvement included a shorter duration of pain, a history of vomiting, and a history of epigastric pain. ConclusionsDespite not identifying an EF level that predicted symptom improvement, over 80% of patients undergoing cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia reported symptom improvement. These results support continuing to offer cholecystectomy to treat biliary dyskinesia in children.

Proton-Pump Inhibitor Treatment in Eosinophilic Esophagitis is Associated with Decreased Eosinophil Degranulation

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is an increasingly recognized disorder whose diagnosis is based on histologic demonstration of eosinophilic inflammation. We previously reported improvement of symptoms in children with EoE on long-term proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) monotherapy despite persistent eosinophilic inflammation. We sought to determine whether PPI monotherapy in children with EoE is associated with decreased eosinophil degranulation. Ten children with EoE had esophageal biopsies assessed for eosinophil, mast cell and Langerhans cell concentration and eosinophil degranulation at diagnosis and following PPI treatment. There was no significant difference in cell concentrations between initial and one-year follow-up. A significant decrease in number of free lying granules was observed at the one-year follow-up biopsies. Prolonged PPI therapy in EoE is associated with decreased eosinophil degranulation.