Role of selected simple non-invasive laboratory investigations in assessing functional abdominal pain in children aged 5-15 years in Khartoum, Sudan

OBJECTIVE: To determine simple laboratory test in children with functional abdominal pain, to compare this test in those with functional abdominal pain in normal children and to try to search for it cause if any, and to determine the symptoms and signs of the disease.

METHODS: This study was carried out over a period of 3 years, from March 2007 to February 2010 at Gaffar Ibn Auf Specialized Hospital for Children, Khartoum, Sudan. The study was conducted to determine role of simple investigations for functional abdominal pain (FAP) in a group of 35 children with abdominal pain and compared it to the control group (42 children) with an age range of 4-15 years.

RESULTS: The results showed no parasitic, no urinary track infection, no Helicobacter pylori infection association with functional abdominal pain. However, gender, socioeconomic status, weight >50th centile had a significant association with functional abdominal pain.

CONCLUSION: Functional abdominal pain is very confusing and puzzling condition to doctors, parents, and patients. Establishment of centers for medical education regarding this cause of abdominal pain is needed.