Recurrent abdominal pain in Omani children

Abstract EN

We studied the aetiology and clinical profile of recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) in 110 children.

No cause could be detected in 82 (75 %).

Parasitic infestation was identified in 7, chronic gastritis in 7 out of 28 who had upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (Helicobacter pylori positive in 5) and abdominal migraine in 5 out of 15 who had electroencephalography.

In most of the children the pain was periumbilical (60 %), gripping in nature (59 %) and occurred more than once per month (72 %).

However these features were not helpful in arriving at the aetiology.

During follow up 68 % became symptom free in 3 months, 14 % had less frequent pain and in 9.6% abdominal pain persisted with the same severity and frequency.

Thus in the majority of cases of RAP that we studied, no organic cause could be found.

Further studies are required to define the role of Helicobacter pylori gastritis and abdominal migraine.