DIAGNOSIS AND MANAGEMENT OF INFANT COLIC

Abstract

Infant colic is a common, spontaneously remitting condition. No definite aetiology is identified for infant colic, despite extensive research and observational studies. The Rome IV Pediatric committee established different diagnostic criteria to replace the traditional Wessel et al. “Rule of Threes” criteria. The aim of the new criteria is to facilitate clinical and research unity. Up to date, there is no known effective treatment for Infant Colic. The management frame include exclusion of organic causes, supporting the parents to understand the benign nature and the natural history of colic, enforcing parental support at home, and suggesting strategies to deal with the infant’s settling.  The pharmacological interventions have very limited role to play in the management if any. This include Simethicone, Probiotics and Hypertonic (30%) Glucose. The use of Dicyclomine Hydrochloride, Proton Pump Inhibitors, and H2 receptor antagonists is on no benefit. The probiotic Lactobacillus Reuteri DSM17938 may be trialled for exclusively breastfed infants, but the evidence for its benefit is inconsistent.