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World J Gastroenterol. May 28, 2013; 19(20): 3062-3068
Published online May 28, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i20.3062
Published online May 28, 2013. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v19.i20.3062
Glucomannan for abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders in children: A randomized trial
Andrea Horvath, Piotr Dziechciarz, Hania Szajewska, Department of Paediatrics, the Medical University of Warsaw, Dzialdowska 1, Poland
Author contributions: Horvath A initially conceptualized this study; Horvath A and Dziechciarz P were responsible for data collection; Horvath A was mainly responsible for data analysis, interpretation and preparation of the report; all authors contributed to the writing of this manuscript and agreed upon the final version.
Correspondence to: Dr. Andrea Horvath, Department of Paediatrics, the Medical University of Warsaw, 01-184 Warsaw, Dzialdowska 1, Poland. andrea.hania@gmail.com
Telephone: +48-22-4523309 Fax: +48-22-4523309
Received: November 17, 2012
Revised: April 4, 2013
Accepted: April 9, 2013
Published online: May 28, 2013
Revised: April 4, 2013
Accepted: April 9, 2013
Published online: May 28, 2013
Core Tip
Core tip: This study focused on abdominal pain-related functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) which are a common problem in children. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of glucomannan (GNN), a soluble fiber of the Japanese Konjac plant, in alleviating the frequency and the severity of pain in children with FGIDs. We have demonstrated through our prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized study that GNN in this setting for 4 wk was not effective in treatment of the FGIDs. The obtained results led us to the conclusion that further studies are needed to explore the role of GNN in the pathophysiology of functional disorders.