Monitoring The Quality Of Life In Dyspeptic Children With KINDL Scale

INTRODUCTION: We aimed to evaluate life quality in functional and organic dyspepsia and its change during follow-up.
METHODS: Children between 4-17 years of age with dyspeptic complaints were enrolled in the study. Organic and functional dyspepsia were differentiated based on clinical findings and the findings of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, if performed. KINDL questionnaire was conducted when patients referred to the hospital and at 1st and 3rd month visits, prospectively. Both groups were compared with regard to demographic data, symptoms and quality of life scores. Factors that affect the results of KINDL and the change in KINDL scores during follow-up were evaluated.
RESULTS: The study group consisted of 71 functional dyspepsia and 65 organic dyspepsia patients. Mean quality of life scores in physical wellness and school subscales were higher among functional dyspepsia. Total score of functional dyspepsia group was higher. There was no relation between gender, number of symptoms and KINDL scores. At the first month visit, total scores and mean scores of self-esteems, family, school and friends subscales were higher in functional dyspepsia group. At the third month visit, mean self-esteem score was higher in functional dyspepsia group. Total scores increased significantly during follow up in both organic dyspepsia and functional dyspepsia groups. This increase was higher in organic dyspepsia group.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Quality of life in both functional dyspepsia and organic dyspepsia patients is affected; recommendations and treatments increase quality of life of both groups. Quality of life scale might be used to monitor the response to treatment.