Influence of Family History on Children With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

The influence of family history on children with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is unknown. We conducted a retrospective study to compare the clinical profile and management differences between children with a family history of IBS (FH-IBS) versus without. A total of 251 children were included in the study, 75 (30%) had FH-IBS and 176 (70%) did not. No significant differences were observed between the 2 groups in sex composition, age at initial visit, age of IBS diagnosis, dietary modifications, supplements, laxatives, antispasmodics, antidiarrheals, and cyproheptadine use. Children with FH-IBS were, however, more like to have psychological comorbidities (41% vs 23%, P = 0.003), and were more likely to receive psychological counseling (49% vs 23%, P < 0.001) and antidepressant treatment (36% vs 15%, P < 0.001) versus children without. We concluded that children with FH-IBS are more likely to have underlying psychological disorders and receive psychological interventions.