For a school-age child with suspected functional abdominal pain, what is included in the initial diagnostic work-up?

For a school-age child with suspected functional abdominal pain, what is included in the initial diagnostic work-up?

• A. CBC, ESR, amylase, lipase, UA, and abdominal ultrasound
• B. CBC, ESR, CRP, and fecal calprotectin
• C. CBC, ESR, CRP, UA, stool for ova, parasites, and culture
• D. Stool for H. pylori antigen and serum IgA, IgG, tTg

Answer: (C)

In kids with suspected functional abdominal pain, the first goal is to rule out organic disease that could mimic a functional problem. A broad initial screening panels cover the most common and potentially serious contributors: a complete blood count looks for anemia or infection; ESR and CRP detect inflammation that could indicate inflammatory or infectious intestinal disease; urinalysis screens for a urinary tract infection or renal problems that can present as abdominal pain. Adding stool studies for ova, parasites, and culture helps identify infectious or parasitic causes of chronic or recurrent abdominal discomfort. Taken together, this combination provides a broad, practical initial assessment to catch conditions that would require specific treatment, while still addressing the most common non-organic presentations. The other panels focus more narrowly on particular etiologies (pancreatic issues, GI mucosal inflammation with fecal biomarkers, or celiac/ Helicobacter pylori scenarios) and would be pursued based on specific symptoms, red flags, or guiding clues rather than as routine initial work-up for suspected functional pain.

In kids with suspected functional abdominal pain, the first goal is to rule out organic disease that could mimic a functional problem. A broad initial screening panels cover the most common and potentially serious contributors: a complete blood count looks for anemia or infection; ESR and CRP detect inflammation that could indicate inflammatory or infectious intestinal disease; urinalysis screens for a urinary tract infection or renal problems that can present as abdominal pain. Adding stool studies for ova, parasites, and culture helps identify infectious or parasitic causes of chronic or recurrent abdominal discomfort. Taken together, this combination provides a broad, practical initial assessment to catch conditions that would require specific treatment, while still addressing the most common non-organic presentations. The other panels focus more narrowly on particular etiologies (pancreatic issues, GI mucosal inflammation with fecal biomarkers, or celiac/ Helicobacter pylori scenarios) and would be pursued based on specific symptoms, red flags, or guiding clues rather than as routine initial work-up for suspected functional pain.