Recent Advances in the Management of Infantile Colic

Abstract

The diagnosis and management of infantile colic has come a long way since the first "case series" published by Wessel et al in 1954. This paved the way for framing the diagnostic criteria for infantile colic i.e. Wessels criteria and to its current evolution of Rome IV criteria of Functional gastrointestinal disorders. The management of colic has evolved from the use of "gripe water" to its current use of probiotics. This review discusses the advances in the treatment of colic, the use of probiotics and the role of Lactobacillus reuteri DSM17938 in infantile colic. There is further emphasis on the other available options with their limitations and the side effects. L reuteri DSM 17938 since its discovery in the year 1962 by Professor Gerard Reuter has found its place in clinical research and multiple studies substantiate the efficacy of this naturally occurring probiotic which is not only limited to infantile colic but to multiple other indications and is recommended by the World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) and the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN).