In this episode, hosts Drs. Peter Lu and Jason Silverman talk to Dr. Samuel Nurko about using neuromodulator medications like tricyclic antidepressants and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for children with functional abdominal pain disorders, now known as pain-predominant disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBIs). We discuss the rationale behind using these types of medications and how we can explain this rationale to families. We also discuss how to choose the right medication for each patient and differences between medications.
Dr. Nurko is Director of the Center for Motility and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders at Boston Children's Hospital and Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the role of neuromodulator medications in the management of children with pain-predominant DGBIs.
- Understand the rationale behind using these types of medications and how to explain this rationale to families.
- Recognize differences between neuromodulator medications and how to choose the right medication based on the clinical scenario.
Links:
Boston.com article on Dr. Nurko and the film Miracles from Heaven
This episode may be eligible for CME credit! Once you have listened to the episode, click this link to claim your credit. Credit is available to NASPGHAN members (if you are not a member, you should probably sign up). And thank you to the NASPGHAN Professional Education Committee for their review!
As always, the discussion, views, and recommendations in this podcast are the sole responsibility of the hosts and guests and are subject to change over time with advances in the field.
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