Functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract in newborns
Authors:
K. Demová; M. Kovácsová; O. Zaikina; Š. Macková
Authors‘ workplace:
Neonatologická klinika, Fakultná nemocnica s poliklinikou, Nové Zámky
Published in:
Čes-slov Neonat 2026; 32 (1): 50-57.
Category:
Original Paper
Overview
Functional gastrointestinal disorders constitute a heterogeneous group of conditions characterized by recurrent or chronic gastrointestinal symptoms in the absence of identifiable organic, structural, or biochemical abnormalities. Their pathogenesis is multifactorial, reflecting complex interactions among the developing intestinal motility system, maturation of the neuromuscular apparatus of the gastrointestinal tract, immunological and neuroimmune mechanisms, the composition and function of the intestinal microbiota, and a range of environmental influences, including nutritional factors and perinatal conditions. The most common functional gastrointestinal disorders include regurgitation/gastroesophageal reflux, rumination syndrome, cyclic vomiting syndrome, infantile colic, functional diarrhea, dyschezia, and functional constipation. These disorders are most frequently observed in toddlers. In preterm neonates, gastroesophageal reflux, the presence of gastric residuals, and constipation are commonly observed, arising from impaired gastric emptying and reduced intestinal motility. This review article summarizes current knowledge on gastrointestinal disorders occurring in the neonatal period.
Keywords:
reflux – Constipation – functional disorders – gastric residuas
Sources
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Neonatology Neonatal NurseArticle was published in
Czech and Slovak Neonatology
2026 Issue 1
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