J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr. 2026 Mar 23. doi: 10.1002/jpn3.70402. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Dysbiosis due to early-life antibiotics may contribute to the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). This follow-up study of a birth cohort primarily investigates the association between antibiotic treatment in the first week of life and the presence of FGIDs at 9-12 years. Secondarily, it examines whether a history of infantile colic or current food allergy is associated with FGIDs.
METHODS: A prospective observational birth cohort of 436 term-born infants was followed up at the age of 9-12 years; 151 received intravenous antibiotics in the first week of life due to suspected early onset sepsis (AB+) and 285 did not (AB-). Participants filled out questionnaires on the presence of FGIDs (Rome IV questionnaire) and food allergies, and FGID diagnoses were reported by general practitioners. Statistical analyses included chi-squared tests and multivariable logistic regression.
RESULTS: 306 of 388 eligible participants (79.5%) participated in the follow-up study: 109 (35.6%) AB+ and 197 (64.4%) AB-. FGID prevalence at 9-12 years was similar in AB+ and AB- (any FGID: odds ratio [OR] 1.083, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.608-1.932). Infantile colic was not significantly associated with FAPDs after adjusting for confounders (adjusted OR 2.007, 95% CI 0.978-4.003, p = 0.051). Children with a food allergy were more likely to have a functional abdominal pain disorder (FAPD) (adjusted OR 4.028, 95% CI 1.532-10.286).
CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant association was observed between first-week antibiotics or infantile colic and FGIDs at 9-12 years of age, but FAPDs were significantly more prevalent in children with food allergies.
PMID:41872049 | DOI:10.1002/jpn3.70402
