Review of paediatric gastrointestinal physiology data relevant to oral drug delivery

Abstract

it was found that considerable variability in physiology exists within the paediatric population. The pH and transit time of the GI tract varies with age, with the greatest changes occurring during the neonate's first month. Other GI physiology also varies with age potentially having an impact on drug absorption. This review highlights the variability of paediatric physiological values within the literature, indicating the difficulty in performing measurements in the paediatric population as well as the natural variability that exists in this age group.

Development of the Digestive System—Experimental Challenges and Approaches of Infant Lipid Digestion

“…Surprisingly, this does not match with the relatively low levels of pancreatic TAG lipase (PTL) and BSs that one may expect to be required for their digestion [161]. The digestive physiology of newborns deviates from that of adults beyond the smaller size of the different digestive organs [1, 81]. Based on distinct requirements, the quality and quantity of enzymes and bile, pH values, gut permeability, and meal and eating patterns differ considerably between infants and adults.…”

Assessment of Age-Related Changes in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Solubility

“…Consequently, their applicability towards pediatric populations, who are developmentally distinct in terms of gastrointestinal anatomy/physiology, remains questionable. Of most interest are children belonging to the youngest age groups (i.e., neonates and infants) who display the greatest developmental differences in comparison to adults (6,7).…”

Pharmacokinetics and population pharmacokinetics in pediatric oncology

“…In children, the absorption rate and bioavailability can differ from adults due to anatomical and developmental differences. These factors, predominantly in the first two years of life, include reduced gut transit time, increased intestinal permeability, and altered passive and active drug transporters . A drug can also bind to food or other medication in the stomach, hence inactivating or inhibit absorption of the drug, such as ciprofloxacin and milk or tube‐feeding…”