Cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) concentration in plasma is not affected in functional abdominal pain in children.

Purpose: Cholecystokinin regulates gut motility and visceral sensation. The aim of the study was to determine the diagnostic value of plasma cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8) concentration in children with functional abdominal pain (FAP).

Material and methods: Fifty-two children (33 girls and 19 boys) aged 6-17 years with chronic abdominal pain were included in this study. On the basis of clinical data, results of endoscopy and Criteria for Functional Disorders the patients were divided into three groups: group 1--functional dyspepsia (FD), group 2--irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), group 3--non-specific FAP. The control group consisted of children without abdominal pain in anamnesis. CCK-8 concentrations in plasma were measured with radio immunoassay technique, after plasma extraction. In study protocol we analysed CCK-8 levels in fasting state and 15, 30, 60 minutes after a standard test meal.

Results: In the fasting state plasma levels of CCK-8 were similar in each group and in controls. In the IBS patients CCK-8 levels were not increased after meal. In groups 1, 3 and controls postprandial levels were higher when compared to fasting state (p<0.05). Area under curve of CCK-8 plasma concentration was the lowest in group 2, but not significant compared to controls and other groups. No correlation was found between main symptoms of FD and IBS and CCK-8 concentration in plasma.

Conclusions: We conclude that gut dysmotility and symptoms of functional abdominal pain in children are not concerned with alteration of plasma CCK-8 levels before and after meal.