In pediatrics, Melatonin + Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG is effective to relieve functional abdominal pain disorders.

This randomized controlled trial explored the effectiveness of Melatonin + Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG to combat functional abdominal pain disorders.

Overall, 42 patients who met the Rome IV Diagnostic Criteria for functional abdominal pain disorders and were between the ages of 4 and 18 were included. For four weeks, either placebo combined with Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG (n = 20) or Melatonin 3 or 5 mg combined with Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG (n = 22) were administered in the evening.

The trial duration was twelve weeks. Clinical improvement at week twelve— characterized as at least a 50% decrease in the mean abdominal pain index (API) between baseline and week 12—was the primary outcome.

Between T0 and T2, Melatonin-treated children's mean API decreased by more than 50%. Although it was profound between T0 and T1, the difference in the distributions of scores' fluctuations between the trial groups was insignificant between T0 and T2. By analyzing API variables "perceived intensity of pain" (item 4) and "weekly frequency of pain" (item 1) separately, comparable results were procured.

Melatonin combined with Lactobacillus Rhamnosus GG appears to be an effective therapeutic option for pediatric patients suffering from functional abdominal pain disorders.