Gastrointestinal Motility Disorders in Adolescent Patients: Transitioning to Adult Care

A wide spectrum of gastrointestinal motility disorders present in childhood. Some are unique to children, especially congenital disorders including certain pseudo-obstruction disorders or those associated with anatomic developmental defects, whereas others are common adult disorders, such as achalasia, that rarely manifest in children. This article reviews the pediatric presentations and sequelae of childhood gastrointestinal motility disorders and then discusses long-term management issues for these children as they progress into adulthood. The goal is to optimize medical care and ensure the adequate nutritional status essential for neurocognitive and psychosocial development of the child. Multidisciplinary care from specialists, including gastroenterologists, psychologists, and pain specialists, is often required to optimize the lives of these patients.