Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
3.8
2.1
Journals
Children
Special Issues
Innovations in Pediatric Disorders of the Gut–Brain Interaction: Bridging Science,...
share announcement

Innovations in Pediatric Disorders of the Gut–Brain Interaction: Bridging Science, Treatment, and Long-Term Outcomes

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (1 March 2026) | Viewed by 2703

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Corina Pienar

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Pediatrics Clinic, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
Interests: pediatrics; gastrointestinal disease; cow’s milk protein allergy; abdominal ultrasound
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Mara Ioana Ionescu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Functional Sciences, Division of Physiology II-Neuroscience, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: pediatric gastroenterology; gut–brain axis; gut microbiome
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Felicia Galos

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania / Marie Curie Emergency Children’s Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
Interests: pediatric gastroenterology; motility; neurogastroenterology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding and clinical management of pediatric disorders of the gut–brain interaction (DGBIs), a group of complex and multifactorial conditions that include, among others, irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, and functional abdominal pain disorders. We welcome submissions of high-quality original research, comprehensive reviews, and thought-provoking case studies that delve into cutting-edge diagnostic methodologies, personalized treatment strategies, and innovative approaches to long-term care. We especially welcome studies exploring the gut–brain axis, microbiome interactions, precision medicine, dietary therapies, and the integration of digital health tools into clinical practice. By bringing together pioneering research and expert perspectives, this Special Issue will facilitate scientific breakthroughs and drive meaningful improvements in pediatric DGBI care. We invite researchers and clinicians to contribute their work to this Special Issue, shaping the future of this dynamic field and enhancing the lives of children worldwide.

Dr. Corina Pienar
Dr. Mara Ioana Ionescu
Dr. Felicia Galos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Children is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • disorders of gut–brain interaction
  • irritable bowel syndrome
  • motility
  • constipation
  • pH impedance
  • gastro-esophageal reflux
  • functional dyspepsia
  • dietary interventions

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (3 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

12 pages, 272 KB  
Article
Psychological Traits and Social Factors Associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome in Children
by Daniela Pop, Ida Maria Lisa Aka, Radu Samuel Pop, Valentina Bota and Dorin Farcău
Children 2026, 13(4), 521; https://doi.org/10.3390/children13040521 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 201
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and mental health disorders represent common and significant health concerns in pediatric populations. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate psychological and social risk factors associated with IBS in children and to identify correlations with their gastrointestinal symptoms. Materials and [...] Read more.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and mental health disorders represent common and significant health concerns in pediatric populations. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate psychological and social risk factors associated with IBS in children and to identify correlations with their gastrointestinal symptoms. Materials and Methods: Children aged 4 to 18 years diagnosed with IBS according to Rome IV criteria were eligible for inclusion. Both patients and parents completed a comprehensive questionnaire detailing gastrointestinal symptom characteristics. Additionally, all children underwent psychological assessment. Results: The study included 24 children with IBS, with a mean age of 12.7 ± 3.4 years. Anxiety was present in 54.2% of cases, and depression in 12.5%. Comparing children with IBS and anxiety to those without these, no statistically significant differences emerged regarding the duration and frequency of abdominal pain; however, abdominal pain intensity was significantly higher in children without anxiety (p = 0.04). The duration of IBS symptoms did not significantly differ in children with or without anxiety (p = 0.21). Impaired emotional self-regulation was identified in 54.2% of participants, and 41.6% exhibited vegetative symptoms in response to stress. Furthermore, 70.8% of parents and/or children reported experiencing a negative family event. Conclusions: The findings suggest that psychological characteristics and adverse family events are important risk factors associated with pediatric IBS. These factors should be systematically considered as integral components of clinical assessment and management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Pediatric Disorders of the Gut–Brain Interaction: Bridging Science, Treatment, and Long-Term Outcomes)
15 pages, 1686 KB  
Article
Comprehensive Assessment of Reflux Burden and Mucosal Integrity in Children: Insights from MNBI and Impedance–pH Monitoring
by Felicia Galos, Alexandra Ilie, Mihai Daniel Luca Mirea, Raluca Teodora Radulescu and Mara Ioana Ionescu
Children 2025, 12(11), 1486; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12111486 - 3 Nov 2025
Viewed by 800
Abstract
Background: Pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) presents with heterogeneous phenotypes across ages, and diagnostic challenges persist. Multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH (MII-pH) monitoring is the current gold standard, while mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) has emerged as a marker of mucosal integrity in [...] Read more.
Background: Pediatric gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) presents with heterogeneous phenotypes across ages, and diagnostic challenges persist. Multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH (MII-pH) monitoring is the current gold standard, while mean nocturnal baseline impedance (MNBI) has emerged as a marker of mucosal integrity in adults. Pediatric normative data are still lacking. We aim to characterize age-related reflux patterns and assess the association between MNBI and pathological acid exposure in children undergoing MII-pH monitoring. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 226 children evaluated with 24 h MII-pH monitoring between 2017 and 2025. Clinical and laboratory data were reviewed. Children were stratified by age (<1 year vs. ≥1 year). Pathological reflux was defined as reflux index (RI) > 10% in infants and >7% in older children. MNBI was measured at distal channels (Z5, Z6) during nocturnal recumbency. Correlations between MNBI and RI were assessed. Diagnostic performance of MNBI for pathological acid exposure was evaluated using ROC analysis. Results: Infants had more total reflux episodes, particularly weakly acidic and liquid, whereas older children exhibited more gas reflux. MNBI correlated inversely with RI (Z6 r = −0.337; Z5 r = −0.281; both p < 0.0001). In infants, MNBI poorly discriminated pathological acid exposure. In older children, MNBI showed better performance, with optimal cut-offs of ~2525 Ω (Z6) and 3079 Ω (Z5) yielding specificities > 85%. Conclusions: MNBI is a reproducible, age-sensitive marker of reflux burden in children, best suited for older children where it complements RI in diagnosing acid-mediated GERD. Larger prospective studies are needed to establish pediatric reference values. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Pediatric Disorders of the Gut–Brain Interaction: Bridging Science, Treatment, and Long-Term Outcomes)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

14 pages, 727 KB  
Review
Risk Factors for Transition of Care in Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction: A Narrative Review and Expert Opinion
by Miguel Saps, Samantha Arrizabalo and Jose M. Garza
Children 2025, 12(9), 1209; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12091209 - 10 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1141
Abstract
Background: Disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) have a significant impact on the quality of life of children and families. Forty percent of children with recurrent abdominal pain continue to have symptoms into adulthood. Specialized programs for the transition of adolescents with DGBI to [...] Read more.
Background: Disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI) have a significant impact on the quality of life of children and families. Forty percent of children with recurrent abdominal pain continue to have symptoms into adulthood. Specialized programs for the transition of adolescents with DGBI to adult care are scarce. There are no widely accepted guidelines for transition of care. Identifying risk factors for persistence of symptoms into adulthood is key to identifying the optimal population that should be part of such programs and guidelines design. Methods: A narrative comprehensive review was conducted using predefined keywords to identify risk factors for persistent DGBI in children/adolescents. Results: Female sex, psychological distress, family history of DGBI, and certain comorbidities had stronger evidence for persistence, whereas other risk factors rely on limited data. Conclusions: It is suggested that transition programs should focus on adolescents presenting with multiple coexisting risk factors. The program should at least include pediatric and adult neurogastroenterologists, dieticians, psychologists, and social workers. Tertiary prevention through psychological support, school-based programs, and management of anxiety and sleep disturbances may reduce the persistence of symptoms. Prospective studies should refine risk stratification and guide transition strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovations in Pediatric Disorders of the Gut–Brain Interaction: Bridging Science, Treatment, and Long-Term Outcomes)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-3
Back to TopTop