Search

Background: Coeliac disease is one of the most prevalent immune-mediated gastrointestinal disorders in children. Aim: To review the incidence and prevalence of paediatric coeliac disease, and their trends, regionally across Europe, overall and according to age at diagnosis. Methods: Systematic review and meta-analysis from January 1, 1950 to December 31, 2019, based on PubMed, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library, searches of grey literature and websites and hand searching of reference lists. A total of 127 eligible studies were included. Results: The prevalence of previously undiagnosed coeliac disease from screening surveys (histology based) ranged from 0.10% to 3.03% (median = 0.70%), with a significantly increasing annual trend (P = 0.029). Prevalence since 2000 was significantly higher in northern Europe (1.60%) than in eastern (0.98%), southern (0.69%) and western (0.60%) Europe. Large increases in the incidence of diagnosed coeliac disease across Europe have reached 50 per 100 000 person-years in Scandinavia, Finland and Spain. The median age at diagnosis increased from 1.9 years before 1990 to 7.6 since 2000. Larger increases in incidence were found in older age groups than in infants and ages

Objectives: The aim of the study was to review the evidence regarding the clinical use and value of fecal calprotectin (FC) measurements in different gastrointestinal disorders in children. Methods: A literature search was conducted in the PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases until October 31, 2019. Subtopics were identified and each assigned to individual authors. Results: A total of 28 recommendations were voted on using the nominal voting technique. Recommendations are given related to sampling, measurement methods, and results interpretation. The 14 authors anonymously voted on each recommendation using a 9-point scale (1 strongly disagree to 9 fully agree). Consensus was considered achieved if at least 75% of the authors voted 6, 7, 8, or 9. Conclusions: Consensus was reached for all recommendations. Limitations for the use of FC in clinical practice include variability in extraction methodology, performance of test kits as well as the need to establish local reference ranges because of the influence of individual factors, such as age, diet, microbiota, and drugs. The main utility of FC measurement at present is in the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) as well as to differentiate it from functional gastrointestinal disorders (FAPDs). FC, however, has neither utility in the diagnosis of infantile colic nor to differentiate between functional and organic constipation. A rise in FC concentration, may alert to the risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis and help identifying gastrointestinal involvement in children with Henoch-Schonlein purpura. FC measurement is of little value in Cow's Milk Protein Allergy, coeliac disease (CD), and cystic fibrosis. FC does neither help to distinguish bacterial from viral acute gastroenteritis (AGE), nor to diagnose Helicobacter Pylori infection, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), acute appendicitis (AA), or intestinal polyps.

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are amongst the most commonly prescribed drugs in infants and children with the last decades witnessing a dramatic rise in their utilization. Although PPIs are clearly effective when used appropriately and have been regarded as safe drugs, there is growing evidence regarding their potential adverse effects. Although, largely based on adult data it is clear that many of these are also relevant to pediatrics. PPI use potentially affects gastrointestinal microbiota composition and function, decreases defence against pathogens resulting in increased risk for infections, interferes with absorption of minerals and vitamins leading to specific deficiencies and increased risk for bone fractures as well as interferes with protein digestion resulting in increased risk of sensitization to allergens and development of allergic diseases and eosinophilic esophagitis. An association with gastric, liver and pancreatic cancer has also been inferred from adult data but is tenuous and causation is not proven. Overall, evidence for these adverse events is patchy and not always compelling. Overall, the use of PPIs, for selected indications with a good evidence base, has significant potential benefit but carries more caution in infants and children. Pediatricians should be aware of the concerns regarding the potential adverse events associated with their use.

ZusammenfassungDie Ernährung über eine jejunale Sonde wird immer häufiger bei jenen Kindern notwendig, deren kalorischer Bedarf durch gastrale Ernährung nicht ausreichend gedeckt werden kann. Ursächlich hierfür können die Intoleranz gastral zugeführter Nahrung oder eine ausgeprägte gastroösophageale Refluxkrankheit (GÖRK) sein. Da nach Anlage der Jejunalsonde häufig regelmäßige Sondenwechsel notwendig werden, ist eine jejunale Sonde oft nur eine vorübergehende Lösung bis zur perkutanen Anlage eines Jejunostomas (mit oder ohne Antirefluxoperation) oder als Alternative vor einer etwaigen Antirefluxoperation.Bevor eine jejunale Sonde gelegt wird, sollte eine Nahrungsintoleranz aufgrund anatomischer oder nicht gastrointestinal bedingter Probleme ausgeschlossen werden.Die Versorgung eines Kindes, bei dem die Anlage einer jejunalen Sonde geplant ist, sollte durch ein multidisziplinäres Team, bestehend aus u. a. einem Kindergastroenterologen/einer Kindergastroenterologin, einer Ernährungsfachkraft, einem Psychologen/einer Psychologin und einem Logopäden/einer Logopädin, erfolgen. Das multidisziplinäre Team sollte bereits vor Indikationsstellung die Nahrung anpassen, das Kind logopädisch evaluiert haben und die Familie psychologisch und medizinisch mitbetreuen.Eine adäquate Planung, welche auch ethische Aspekte beinhaltet, garantiert, dass sowohl der Patient/die Patientin, die Eltern und Betreuungspersonen wie auch das behandelnde Team ein klares Verständnis der Indikation und Gründe für die Anlage einer jejunalen Sonde haben. Dabei sollten auch die Fortsetzung einer möglichen oralen Ernährung und eine Sondenentwöhnung diskutiert werden.Diese Übersicht beinhaltet Handlungsempfehlungen zur Indikationsstellung für den Einsatz jejunaler Sonden, gepaart mit praktischen Überlegungen, welche die Verwendung und die Sicherheit der jejunalen Sondenernährung im Kindes- und Jugendalter optimieren sollen.

ZusammenfassungEpidemiologische und klinische Beobachtungen sowie Tiermodelle weisen auf die Ernährung als Risikofaktor für die Entwicklung einer chronisch entzündlichen Darmerkrankung (CED) hin. Die exklusive enterale Ernährungstherapie (EET) ist das Musterbeispiel einer effektiven Entzündungskontrolle durch eine rein diätetische Intervention. Ausgehend davon haben Patienten, Familien und betreuende Fachkräfte des Gesundheitswesens ein großes Interesse, andere Ernährungsmodifikationen in der Behandlung von CED-Patienten einzusetzen, zum Beispiel eine partielle Ernährungstherapie (PET) mit spezifischer Diät wie die Crohnʼs Disease Exclusion Diet. Die folgende Stellungnahme fasst die aktuelle Datenlage zusammen und gibt Orientierung für Praxis und weitere Forschung.

International audience; Thiopurines, alone or in combination with other agents, have a pivotal role in the treatment of specific gastrointestinal and hepatological disorders. In inflammatory bowel disease and autoimmune hepatitis thiopurines have proven their value as steroid sparing agents for the maintenance of remission and may be considered for preventing postoperative Crohn disease recurrence where there is moderate risk of this occurring. Their use with infliximab therapy reduces antibody formation and increases biologic drug levels. The routine clinical use of thiopurines has, however, been questioned due to a number of potential adverse effects. The aim of this article is to provide information regarding the use, and in particular, safety of these agents in clinical practice in the light of such potentially severe, albeit rare, effects.

Commissioned by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN), we investigated how European physicians training in these fields are educated in nutrition. A survey on time spent in nutrition training, composition of multidisciplinary nutrition teams, and topics covered during training enrolled 50 participants. A median of 20% of training time was spent on nutrition training during fellowship. Fourteen (28%) had regular nutrition teaching. Thirty-four (68%) were part of a multidisciplinary nutrition team. Twelve (24%) used the ESPGHAN syllabus. Most frequent topics during nutrition training were diagnosis/investigation of failure to thrive, indications/contraindications for enteral feeds, and benefits/risks of enteral/parenteral nutrition. Twenty-seven (54%) had taken a formal nutrition course. Nutrition training in Europe varies and the ESPGHAN training syllabus is not yet implemented Europe-wide. ESPGHAN nutrition summer schools, and Web-based learning may provide appropriate training. We suggest that all patients necessitating nutritional care be treated by multidisciplinary nutrition teams.

What Is Known - Endoscopy Training is becoming an integral part of Paediatric Gastroenterology Training within Europe. - There is a great degree of variation between European endoscopy training in terms of duration, content, procedural volume, assessment during and at the end of training. What Is New? - Achievement of milestones in training more accurately assesses competency compared with procedural number. - Train the trainers’ courses and educational material,such as e-learning and endoscopy simulator training improve a structuredapproachinendoscopy teaching. - Cooperation with the National Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Societies in Europe will facilitate dissemination, discussion and implementation of results of this position paper.

© 2022 International Society of NephrologyIntroduction: Autosomal recessive polycystic kidney disease (ARPKD) is a rare monogenic disorder characterized by early onset fibrocystic hepatorenal changes. Previous reports have documented pronounced phenotypic variability even among siblings in terms of patient survival. The underlying causes for this clinical variability are incompletely understood. Methods: We present the longitudinal clinical courses of 35 sibling pairs included in the ARPKD registry study ARegPKD, encompassing data on primary manifestation, prenatal and perinatal findings, genetic testing, and family history, including kidney function, liver involvement, and radiological findings. Results: We identified 70 siblings from 35 families with a median age of 0.7 (interquartile range 0.1–6.0) years at initial diagnosis and a median follow-up time of 3.5 (0.2–6.2) years. Data on PKHD1 variants were available for 37 patients from 21 families. There were 8 patients from 7 families who required kidney replacement therapy (KRT) during follow-up. For 44 patients from 26 families, antihypertensive therapy was documented. Furthermore, 37 patients from 24 families had signs of portal hypertension with 9 patients from 6 families having substantial hepatic complications. Interestingly, pronounced variability in the clinical course of functional kidney disease was documented in only 3 sibling pairs. In 17 of 20 families of our cohort of neonatal survivors, siblings had only minor differences of kidney function at a comparable age. Conclusion: In patients surviving the neonatal period, our longitudinal follow-up of 70 ARPKD siblings from 35 families revealed comparable clinical courses of kidney and liver diseases in most families. The data suggest a strong impact of the underlying genotype.

International audience; Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, has been used for more than 20 years in children with gastrointestinal bleeding, chylothorax or chylous ascites, intestinal lymphangiectasia, pancreatitis, intestinal dysmotility, and severe diarrhoea; however, until now, there is a lack of randomised clinical trials evaluating the efficacy of this compound in childhood. Hence, we aimed to review the literature in order to determine the evidence of its use and safety in children, using PubMed from 2000 to 2021 with the search terms "octreotide" and "children" and "bleeding or chylous ascites or chylothorax or acute pancreatitis or lymphangiectasia or diarrhoea or intestinal dysmotility".

International audience; Objectives: Given a lack of a systematic approach to the use of breath testing in paediatric patients, the aim of this position paper is to provide expert guidance regarding the indications for its use and practical considerations to optimise its utility and safety. Methods: Nine clinical questions regarding methodology, interpretation, and specific indications of breath testing and treatment of carbohydrate malabsorption were addressed by members of the Gastroenterology Committee (GIC) of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN). A systematic literature search was performed from 1983 to 2020 using PubMed, the MEDLINE and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was applied to evaluate the outcomes. During a consensus meeting, all recommendations were discussed and finalised. In the absence of evidence from randomised controlled trials, recommendations reflect the expert opinion of the authors. Results: A total of 22 recommendations were voted on using the nominal voting technique. At first, recommendations on prerequisites and preparation for as well as on interpretation of breath tests are given. Then, recommendations on the usefulness of H2-lactose breath testing, H2-fructose breath testing as well as of breath tests for other types of carbohydrate malabsorption are provided. Furthermore, breath testing is recommended to diagnose small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), to control for success of Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy and to diagnose and monitor therapy of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, but not to estimate oro-caecal transit time (OCTT) or to diagnose and follow-up on celiac disease. Conclusions: Breath tests are frequently used in paediatric gastroenterology mainly assessing carbohydrate malabsorption, but also in the diagnosis of small intestinal overgrowth, fat malabsorption, H. pylori infection as well as for measuring gastrointestinal transit times. Interpretation of the results can be challenging and in addition, pertinent symptoms should be considered to evaluate clinical tolerance.

International audience; Button batteries (BB) remain a health hazard to children as ingestion might lead to life-threatening complications, especially if the battery is impacted in the esophagus. Worldwide initiatives have been set up in order to prevent and also timely diagnose and manage BB ingestions. A European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) task force for BB ingestions has been founded, which aimed to contribute to reducing the health risks related to this event. It is important to focus on the European setting, next to other worldwide initiatives, to develop and implement effective management strategies. As one of the first initiatives of the ESPGHAN task force, this ESPGHAN position paper has been written. The literature is summarized, and prevention strategies are discussed focusing on some controversial topics. An algorithm for the diagnosis and management of BB ingestions is presented and compared to previous guidelines (NASPGHAN, National Poison Center). In agreement with earlier guidelines, immediate localization of the BB is important and in case of esophageal impaction, the BB should be removed instantly (preferably 12 hours after ingestion or time point of removal >12 hours after ingestion) and esophageal impaction the guideline suggests to perform a CT scan in order to evaluate for vascular injury before removing the battery. In delayed diagnosis, even if the battery has passed the esophagus, endoscopy to screen for esophageal damage and a CT scan to rule out vascular injury should be considered even in asymptomatic children. In asymptomatic patients with early diagnosis (

International audience; Acute diarrhoea is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the paediatric population. Racecadotril is an antisecretory drug recommended as an adjuvant anti-diarrhoeal treatment.In the small bowel, the enzyme neutral endopeptidase (NEP) inhibits the action of enkephalins, which prevent water and electrolyte hypersecretion. By inhibiting NEP, racecadotril allows enkephalins to exhibit their antisecretory effects. Consequently, racecadotril reduces the secretion of water and electrolytes in the small intestine, without having an effect on intestinal motility. No serious adverse events related to racecadotril have been reported.Racecadotril has proven its efficacy as an adjuvant anti-diarrhoeal drug with a good safety profile. Its addition to oral rehydration solution (ORS) appears clinically beneficial and potentially leads to health care savings.

International audience; Gastrointestinal symptoms are common findings in children with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, including vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and difficulty in feeding, although these symptoms tend to be mild. The hepato-biliary system and the pancreas may also be involved, usually with a mild elevation of transaminases and, rarely, pancreatitis. In contrast, a late hyper-inflammatory phenomenon, termed multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), is characterized by more frequent gastrointestinal manifestations with greater severity, sometimes presenting as peritonitis. Gastrointestinal and hepato-biliary manifestations are probably related to a loss in enterocyte absorption capability and microscopic mucosal damage caused by a viral infection of intestinal epithelial cells, hepatocytes and other cells through the angiotensin conversion enzyme 2 receptor resulting in immune cells activation with subsequent release of inflammatory cytokines. Specific conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and liver transplantation may pose a risk for the more severe presentation of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but as adult data accumulate, paediatric data is still limited. The aim of this review is to summarize the current evidence about the effect of COVID-19 on the gastrointestinal system in children, with emphasis on the emerging MIS-C and specific considerations such as patients with IBD and liver transplant recipients.

Background and AimsInflammatory bowel disease [IBD] is often one of the most devastating and debilitating chronic gastrointestinal disorders in children and adolescents. The main objectives here were to systematically review the incidence and prevalence of paediatric IBD across all 51 European states.MethodsWe undertook a systematic review and meta-analysis based on PubMed, CINAHL, the Cochrane Library, searches of reference lists, grey literature and websites, covering the period from 1970 to 2018.ResultsIncidence rates for both paediatric Crohn’s disease [CD] and ulcerative colitis [UC] were higher in northern Europe than in other European regions. There have been large increases in the incidence of both paediatric CD and UC over the last 50 years, which appear widespread across Europe. The largest increases for CD have been reported from Sweden, Wales, England, the Czech Republic, Denmark and Hungary, and for UC from the Czech Republic, Ireland, Sweden and Hungary. Incidence rates for paediatric CD have increased up to 9 or 10 per 100 000 population in parts of Europe, including Scandinavia, while rates for paediatric UC are often slightly lower than for CD. Prevalence reported for CD ranged from 8.2 per 100 000 to approximately 60 and, for UC, from 8.3 to approximately 30.ConclusionsThe incidence of paediatric IBD continues to increase throughout Europe. There is stronger evidence of a north–south than an east–west gradient in incidence across Europe. Further prospective studies are needed, preferably multinational and based on IBD registries, using standardized definitions, methodology and timescales.

Objectives The main aim of this study was to determine the impact on clinical practice of the first European Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) position paper on the diagnosis and management of nutritional and gastrointestinal problems in children with neurological impairment (NI). Methods In this pilot-study, a web-based questionnaire was distributed between November, 2019 and June, 2020, amongst ESPGHAN members using the ESPGHAN newsletter. Fifteen questions covered the most relevant aspects on nutritional management and gastrointestinal issues of children with NI. A descriptive analysis of responses was performed. Results A total of 150 health professionals from 23 countries responded to the survey. A considerable variation in clinical practice concerning many aspects of nutritional and gastrointestinal management of children with NI was observed. The most frequently used method for diagnosing oropharyngeal dysfunction was the direct observation of meals with or without the use of standardised scores (n = 103). Anthropometric measurements were the most commonly used tools for assessing nutritional status (n = 111). The best treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was considered to be proton pump inhibitor therapy by most (n = 116) participants. Regarding tube feeding, nearly all respondents (n = 114) agreed that gastrostomy is the best enteral access to be used for long-term enteral feeding. Fundoplication was indicated at the time of gastrostomy placement especially in case of uncontrolled GERD. Conclusions More studies are required to address open questions on adequate management of children with NI. Identifying knowledge gaps paves the way for developing updated recommendations and improving patient care.

The incidence of gastroenteritis has greatly reduced due to improved hygiene conditions in developing countries and the use of rotavirus vaccine. Still thousands of children, however, die from gastroenteritis, most of them in poor countries. Yet gastroenteritis management is simple, inexpensive, and effective and is largely the same all over the world. Universal guidelines for gastroenteritis guide the management and include simple interventions put forward early in the course of the disease. Treatment includes rehydration, continuing oral feeding, and anti-infective drugs in selected clinical conditions related to the symptoms or to host-related risk, and possible additional drug treatment to reduce the duration and severity of symptoms. There may be minor geographical differences in the treatment applied due to health care organizations that do not substantially change the standard universal recommendations. Prevention is recommended with sanitation interventions and rotavirus universal immunization. Implementation of those interventions through educational initiatives and local programs in target areas are needed. A series of recommendations for interventions, education, and research priorities are included here with the aim of reducing the burden of gastroenteritis, to be pursued by scientists, physicians, policy makers, and stakeholders involved. They include the need of recommendations for the management of gastroenteritis in malnourished children, in those with chronic conditions, in neonates, and in emergency settings. A reference system to score dehydration, the definition of optimal composition of rehydration solution and the indications for anti-infective therapy are also included. Rotavirus immunization should be actively promoted, and evidence-based guidelines should be universally implemented. Research priorities are also indicated.

BackgroundProtein-losing enteropathy (PLE) is characterised by gastrointestinal protein leakage due to loss of mucosal integrity or lymphatic abnormalities. PLE can manifest as congenital diarrhoea and should be differentiated from other congenital diarrhoeal disorders. Primary PLEs are genetically heterogeneous and the underlying genetic defects are currently emerging.ObjectivesWe report an infant with fatal PLE for whom we aimed to uncover the underlying pathogenic mutation.MethodsWe performed whole exome sequencing (WES) for the index patient. Variants were classified based on the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. WES results and our detailed clinical description of the patient were compared with the literature.ResultsWe discovered a novel homozygous stop mutation (c.988C>T, p.Q330*) in the Plasmalemma Vesicle-Associated Protein (PLVAP) gene in a newborn with fatal PLE, facial dysmorphism, and renal, ocular and cardiac anomalies. The Q330* mutation is predicted to result in complete loss of PLVAP protein expression leading to deletion of the diaphragms of endothelial fenestrae, resulting in plasma protein extravasation and PLE. Recently, another single homozygous stop mutation in PLVAP causing lethal PLE in an infant was reported.ConclusionsOur findings validate PLVAP mutations as a cause of syndromic PLE. Prenatal anomalies, severe PLE and syndromic features may guide the diagnosis of this rare disease.

The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition has experienced an amazing development in the 50 years of its existence. It grew from a small group of 36 friends who held an informal meeting with some 20 oral presentations to share and discuss their clinical and research work, to a large, multiprofessional society that sets widely recognized standards for clinical care and policy and hosts the world's largest congress of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition with more than 4500 delegates from 100 countries. However, the Society's mission has remained the same: to promote the health of children with special attention to the gastrointestinal tract, liver, and nutritional status, through knowledge creation, the dissemination of science based information, the promotion of best practice in the delivery of care and the provision of high-quality education. The European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition's success is based on the enthusiasm and engagement of its membership that contribute extensive volunteer work to support child health, while maintaining a positive spirit of collaboration and friendship, which characterises this Society. This article aims at describing recent developments and the current situation of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition.

The aim was to determine if peritoneal drainage (PD) is a suitable treatment for pneumoperitoneum in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. A retrospective chart review of 42 ELBW infants with pneumoperitoneum at the University Hospital of Cologne between November 2014 and April 2017 was performed. Forty-two infants with a median birth weight of 645 g (interquartile range (IQR) 550, 806) and a median gestational age of 24.3 weeks (IQR 23.2, 25.6) were treated for pneumoperitoneum. Twenty-six (62%) received PD, and in ten (38%), the drain could be removed without further intervention. Infants in the PD group were of significantly lower birth weight (622g vs. 750 g), age (4.5 vs. 10.0 days), and weight at diagnosis (538 vs. 778 g). The mortality in the PD group was 15% at 90 days of life, but no patient deceased in the primary laparotomy group.We suggest PD with close evaluation of drainage and clinical course as an alternative treatment for pneumoperitoneum in ELBW infants allowing bridging the vulnerable first days of life until these infants are in a more stable condition. Despite not reaching statistical significance in our series, PD showed the trend towards higher mortality. What is known: • Pneumoperitoneum is traditionally treated with laparotomy, but placement of peritoneal drainage (PD) is a valuable treatment option. • Previous randomized controlled trials have shown no significant differences in mortality for PD versus laparotomy. What is new: • In our cohort, 38% of the infants with PD could be saved from secondary laparotomy, but in the PD group there was a trend towards higher mortality. • PD allows bridging the vulnerable first days of life until ELBW infants are in a more stable condition for possible laparotomy.

ObjectiveTo evaluate quality of paediatric endoscopy training of Young members of the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).MethodsAn online questionnaire designed by the Young ESPGHAN Committee was sent to 125 Young ESPGHAN members between February 2014 and September 2015. The questionnaire comprised 32 questions addressing some general information of the participants and the structure of their paediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition programmes; procedural volume and terminal ileal intubation (TII) rate; supervision, assessments, participation in endoscopy courses and simulator training; and satisfaction with endoscopy training and self-perceived competency.ResultsOf 68 participants, 48 (71%) were enrolled in an official training programme. All alumni (n=31) were trained in endoscopy. They completed a median of 200 oesophagogastroduodenoscopies (OGDs) and 75 ileocolonoscopies (ICs) with a TII rate of >90% in 43%. There is a significant difference in numbers of ICs between the TII rate groups >90%, 50%–90% and ConclusionsDespite reaching the suggested procedural endoscopy volumes, a rather low TII rate of >90% calls for end-of-training certifications based on the achievement of milestones of competency.

Objectives: Jejunal tube feeding (JTF) is increasingly becoming the standard of care for children in whom gastric tube feeding is insufficient to achieve caloric needs. Given a lack of a systematic approach to the care of JTF in paediatric patients, the aim of this position paper is to provide expert guidance regarding the indications for its use and practical considerations to optimize its utility and safety. Methods: A group of members of the Gastroenterology and Nutrition Committees of the European Society of Paediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition and of invited experts in the field was formed in September 2016 to produce this clinical guide. Seventeen clinical questions treating indications and contraindications, investigations before placement, techniques of placement, suitable feeds and feeding regimen, weaning from JTF, complications, long-term care, and ethical considerations were addressed. A systematic literature search was performed from 1982 to November 2018 using PubMed, the MEDLINE, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was applied to evaluate the outcomes. During a consensus meeting, all recommendations were discussed and finalized. In the absence of evidence from randomized controlled trials, recommendations reflect the expert opinion of the authors. Results: A total of 33 recommendations were voted on using the nominal voting technique. Conclusions: JTF is a safe and effective means of enteral feeding when gastric feeding is insufficient to meet caloric needs or is not possible. The decision to place a jejunal tube has to be made by close cooperation of a multidisciplinary team providing active follow-up and care.

According to international guidelines, polyethylene glycol (PEG) is the laxative of first choice in the treatment of functional constipation in children, both for disimpaction and for maintenance treatment. PEG acts as an osmotic laxative and its efficacy is dose dependent. PEG is highly effective, has a good safety profile, and is well tolerated by children. Only minor adverse events have been reported. Overall the use of PEG in children has been reported to be safe, although in patients predisposed to water and electrolyte imbalances monitoring of serum electrolytes should be considered.

Feeding difficulties are frequent in children with neurological impairments and can be associated with undernutrition, growth failure, micronutrients deficiencies, osteopenia, and nutritional comorbidities. Gastrointestinal problems including gastroesophageal reflux disease, constipation, and dysphagia are also frequent in this population and affect quality of life and nutritional status. There is currently a lack of a systematic approach to the care of these patients. With this report, European Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition aims to develop uniform guidelines for the management of the gastroenterological and nutritional problems in children with neurological impairment.Thirty-one clinical questions addressing the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of common gastrointestinal and nutritional problems in neurological impaired children were formulated. Questions aimed to assess the nutritional management including nutritional status, identifying undernutrition, monitoring nutritional status, and defining nutritional requirements; to classify gastrointestinal issues including oropharyngeal dysfunctions, motor and sensory function, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and constipation; to evaluate the indications for nutritional rehabilitation including enteral feeding and percutaneous gastrostomy/jejunostomy; to define indications for surgical interventions (eg, Nissen Fundoplication, esophagogastric disconnection); and finally to consider ethical issues related to digestive and nutritional problems in the severely neurologically impaired children. A systematic literature search was performed from 1980 to October 2015 using MEDLINE. The approach of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation was applied to evaluate the outcomes. During 2 consensus meetings, all recommendations were discussed and finalized. The group members voted on each recommendation using the nominal voting technique. Expert opinion was applied to support the recommendations where no randomized controlled trials were available.

AIM: Implementing international guidelines guarantees high standards of clinical care. A group of experts developed an algorithm to drive the management of common gastrointestinal symptoms in infancyby paediatricians and general practitioners. METHODS: The algorithm started from the evidence-based recommendations of the European Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the European Society of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and an updated review of the literature. We used the structured quantitative method of nominal group technique to reach a consensus. RESULTS: A practical algorithm for the management of infants with acute diarrhoea was designed based on theconsensus reached for each statement. The management of an infant with acute diarrhoeashould include a sequence of actions: 1) a semi-quantitative estimate of infant dehydration through validated clinical scores, 2) rehydration therapy and early re-feedingwith breast milk or regular formula and 3) effective agents to reduce the severity and duration of the diarrhoea. Finally, in children with prolonged diarrhoea, the search for aetiology should include persistent infections or reinfections, cows' milk protein allergy and celiac diseases. Lactose should always be withdrawn. CONCLUSION: This algorithm provides an evidence-based sequence of interventions to optimisethe management of infants with acute diarrhoea. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

UNLABELLED: Up to 50% of infants present with symptoms of regurgitation, infantile colic and/or constipation during the first 12 months of life. Although they are often classed as functional disorders, there is an overlap with cows' milk allergy. We present practical algorithms for the management of such disorders, based on existing evidence and general consensus, with a particular focus on primary health care. Management consists of early recognition of warning signs of organic disease, parental reassurance and nutritional strategies. CONCLUSION: The proposed algorithms aim to help healthcare providers manage frequent gastrointestinal and cows' milk-related symptoms in infants safely and effectively.

Introduction: Colic is a frequent problem for parents and paediatricians. Objective of this study is to investigate whether the prevalence of colic is influenced by the type of early nutrition in children up to the age of 3 months. The study is embedded in the EU Childhood Obesity Programme, a double blind randomised clinical trial with two parallel study groups of formula-fed infants and a control group of breastfed children (www.childhood-obesity.org).

Research in Europe needs multidisciplinary approaches and young researchers should get the opportunity to become familiar with new perspectives and future research topics. The workshop focused on some particular topics of research: new nutrients in infant formulas biochemical mechanisms of metabolic programming influence of early feeding on childhood obesity.

D. Gruszfeld; R. Janas; J. Socha; B. Koletzko, I. Broekaert; D. Brasseur ; A. Sengier; M. Giovannini, C. Agostoni ; R. Closa Monasterolo, V. Luque, EU Childhood Obesity Study Team Children’s Memorial Health Institute, Warszawa, Poland; Children's University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany; Hopital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Unite de Nutrition, Bruxelles, Belgium; Pediatric Department, Ospedale San Paolo, Milano, Italy; Pediatric Unit, University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain

Introduction: Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) plays an important role in the visual development of infants and is preferentially transferred across the placenta. Supplementation with folic acid in pregnancy might enhance placental DHA transfer. Methods: Women recruited in Spain (S) and Germany (G) were randomized to 4 supplementation groups: 0,5 g DHA and 0,4 mg 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate (5MTHF)/d, 0,5 g DHA/d, 0,4 mg 5-MTHF/d or placebo from week 20 of gestation until birth. Infants not fully breastfed were supplied with formulae +DHA according to the nutritional code assigned. Cortical visual evoked potentials (VEPs) were obtained at the age of 8 weeks. 249 pregnant women (152 S, 97 G) were recruited and in 109 children (77 S, 32 G) cortical VEPs suitable for evaluation were obtained. Results: No significant differences in latencies, amplitudes and calculated minimal angle of resolution were detected between the 4 supplementation groups (S and G both separately and combined). The analysis of combined groups with DHA and without DHA showed a significant difference in the minimal angle of resolution between the DHA vs. non-DHA groups (1.4’+7.7’ vs. 3.0’+4.9’, p

P. Socha, R. Janas, A. Dobrzanska, B. Koletzko, I. Broekaert, D. Brasseur, A. Sengier, M. Giovannini, C. Agostoni, R. Closa Monasterolo, G. Mendez, EU Childhood Obesity Study Team Children's Memorial, Health Institute, Warszawa, Poland, Children's University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany, Unite de Nutrition, Hopital Universitaire des Enfants Reine Fabiola, Bruxelles, Belgium, Pediatric Department, Ospedale San Paolo, Milano, Italy, Pediatric Unit, University Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain

Effective strategies for primary prevention are urgently needed to combat the rapidly increasing prevalence of childhood obesity. Evidence accumulates that early nutrition programmes later obesity risk. Breast feeding reduces the odds ratio for obesity at school age, adjusted for biological and sociodemographic confounding variables, by some 20–25 %. We propose that the protective effect of breast feeding is related in part by the induction of a lower weight gain in infancy, which is related to differences in substrate intake. Protein intake per kg bodyweight is some 55–80 % higher in formula fed than in breast fed infants. We hypothesize that high early protein intakes in excess of metabolic requirements enhance weight gain in infancy and increase later obesity risk (the “early protein hypothesis”). The European Childhood Obesity Programme tests this hypothesis in a randomized double blind intervention trial in 1150 infants in five European centres. Infants that are not breast fed are randomized to formulae with higher or lower protein content and followed up to school age. If an effect of infant feeding habits on later obesity risk should be established, there is great potential for effective preventive intervention with a significant potential health benefit for the child and adult population.