A large-scale study to describe the prevalence, characteristics and management of functional gastrointestinal disorders in African infants.

AIM:To evaluate the pattern, impact on quality of life and management of common functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and related signs and symptoms in infants below 1 year of age in Africa. METHODS:Multicentre, cross-sectional, observational study in 10 African countries. At the first paediatric consultation of children with gastrointestinal symptoms, the perception of paediatricians on FGIDs (infant colic, constipation and regurgitation) and gas/bloating, impact on infant quality of life and parental anxiety and patient management practices were evaluated by standardised questionnaires. RESULTS:Questionnaires were completed by 759 paediatricians for 10 812 infants. Overall, 49.9% of paediatricians reported ≥30% of first infant consultations each month for FGIDs or related symptoms. Infant colic was most commonly diagnosed (57.6% of infants), followed by gas/bloating (43.2%), regurgitation (39.7%) and constipation (31.4%). Overall, 53% presented >1 symptom. Mean scores for infant quality of life, sleep and parental anxiety were worse when children had multiple symptoms compared to children with a single symptom (P < .025). Prescription of medication was common (62.4%). There were no consistent differences between countries. CONCLUSION:Functional gastrointestinal disorder occurrence in Africa was high with a gap between expert recommendation that emphasises parental reassurance and nutritional advice and daily practice, particularly prescription of medication.