title: [Chronic recurrent abdominal pain in school children].
abstract: The diagnostic approach of children with recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) was investigated by means of a standard protocol. The protocol consisted of recently developed laboratory techniques and 'routine' investigations. In addition, all patients were subjected to an extensive psychological investigation. The main results show that in a high percentage (42%) of patients organic abnormalities could be found. Particularly the small bowel seemed to be involved in the pathogenesis of the complaints. Furthermore, gastro-esophageal reflux appeared to be present in as many as 50% of the patients investigated and there might be a relationship with the abdominal pain complaints. Helicobacter pylori did not appear to play an important role in these patients. Comparing the results of the psychologic investigation with a pain-free control group, we did not find clear evidence that psychological factors play a role in the pathogenesis of these patients' complaints. Children with RAP, particularly when complaints exist longer than 6 months, need to be investigated for the presence of organic abnormalities that might provide an explanation for the complaints.
authors.affiliation: Afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Academisch ziekenhuis Maastricht.
authors.forename: S B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: van der Meer
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015746:Abdominal Pain / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology; D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002648:Child; D019411:Clinical Laboratory Techniques; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D004382:Duodenitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D005764:Gastroesophageal Reflux / Q000175:diagnosis; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D016480:Helicobacter pylori / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007787:Lactose Intolerance / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D014463:Ultrasonography
chemical_list: D000907:Antibodies, Bacterial
vernacular_title: Chronisch recidiverende buikpijn bij schoolkinderen.