Pediatric gastrointestinal motility--future directions and challenges

The study of gastrointestinal motility has evolved to a sophisticated diagnostic technique that is widely used clinically to further guide management of children with complex gastrointestinal problems. Thorough comprehension requires a multidisciplinary approach with the integration of molecular and cell biology, organ physiology, and clinical observations. During the past decade there has been a dramatic increase in our knowledge of the enteric neuromuscular system. Continued exploration of targeted gene mutations in animal models has the potential of enhancing our understanding of congenital disorders of gastrointestinal motility. Experiments studying polymorphisms in serotonin transporter gene (SERT) and different therapeutic responses to serotonergic agents in adults with irritable bowel syndrome need to be carried out in children with functional bowel disorders. Additional considerations that need to be addressed if advances are to continue include increasing the number of specialists interest in motility disorders and identifying funding sources to support the establishment of research consortiums among pediatric centers.