Short- and long-term effects of a lactose-restricted diet and probiotics in children with chronic abdominal pain: a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the short- and long-term effect of treatment in children with chronic abdominal pain (CAP).

METHODS

A database with the results of H(2) breath test of children with CAP was created. All children with an abnormal test result were included and classified as small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) or lactose intolerant (LTI). SIBO was treated with probiotics and LTI with a lactose-restricted diet. CAP was evaluated 5 months and 15 months after the test.

RESULTS

37 children (41%) were included. 17 LTI children (94%) improved after 5 months and 11 children (61%) after 15 months (P<0.05). Seven SIBO children improved after 5 months and 4 children after 15 months. In the combination group all 4 children improved after 5 months and 3 children after 15 months.

CONCLUSION

Children with CAP caused by LTI or SIBO had less CAP after 5 months. This positive effect persists only in half of the children.