Pediatric gastrointestinal diseases: are drugs the answer?

Owing to the lack of large randomized controlled studies, which would produce level 1 evidence, to guide management of gastrointestinal disorders in children, data are often extrapolated from adult studies to aid in treatment strategies. However, there are unique aspects to the management of children and adolescents with these chronic diseases, including issues of growth, side effects, long-term outcomes and psychosocial factors that might not be considered in adult trials. There is a major need for increased research in this population. In the future, a better understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms of these diseases should guide the development of rational novel therapies with better safety profiles for children with gastrointestinal disorders.