New Study Reveals Impact of Pediatric Integrative Medicine

A new study from University Hospitals Connor Whole Health highlights the effectiveness of pediatric integrative medicine services, particularly within the UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital. This innovative program incorporates complementary therapies, including lifestyle interventions, supplements, herbal medicine, cognitive strategies, and bodywork therapies, alongside traditional medical practices. Published in the journal Global Advances in Integrative Medicine and Health, the study addresses significant gaps in care for pediatric patients facing complex health challenges.

The U.S. pediatric population is increasingly affected by chronic illnesses such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, autoimmune diseases, and mental health issues, many exacerbated by social media influences. Given this landscape, pediatric integrative medicine is emerging as a promising and holistic approach to care. Despite the growing interest, the literature detailing the implementation of these services and the demographics of patients receiving integrative care remains limited.

Initiated in 2020, the UH Connor Whole Health Pediatrics Program (UH CWHP) operates as a physician-led initiative designed to provide comprehensive care. The study reviewed 2,677 outpatient visits among 657 patients from March 2020 to September 2023. The findings revealed that prevalent conditions among these patients included anxiety (59.2%), fatigue (44.4%), headache (43.1%), abdominal pain (33.6%), constipation (33.0%), and long-COVID (24.7%).

Commonly recommended treatments included dietary changes (61.8%), self-care strategies (33.8%), massage (21.0%), and acupuncture (19.2%). In terms of supplements, probiotics (49.9%), vitamin D (42.6%), multivitamins (41.9%), and fish oil (39.4%) were frequently suggested.

The study found that many patients with anxiety preferred non-drug treatments and were open to learning new coping skills. Techniques such as cognitive reframing, breathing exercises, dietary modifications, and effective management of inner dialogue were well-received. Insights from Traditional Chinese Medicine were valued, with approximately 30% of patients utilizing Chinese herbal treatments. Those experiencing anxiety linked to long-COVID often required additional therapies, including antihistamines.

For fatigue associated with long-COVID and for many patients diagnosed with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, interventions like pacing and low-dose naltrexone proved beneficial. Nutritional management aimed to facilitate realistic, family-friendly changes toward a diet rich in nutrients and minimally processed foods. The study noted that around 30% of patients presented with vitamin D deficiency, while light therapy was recommended for those exhibiting seasonal mood fluctuations.

Moreover, the research indicated that myofascial pain was often overlooked before patients sought care at UH CWHP. The program emphasized teaching self-care techniques to manage pain and reduce reliance on medications. Gua Sha, a Traditional Chinese Medicine technique, was frequently employed and taught for at-home pain management.

Sleep disruptions and insomnia were also prevalent among patients, with contributing factors such as screen use before bedtime and irregular routines. Recommendations included sleep education, referrals to sleep specialists, melatonin prescriptions, and management of iron deficiency.

David W. Miller, MD, FAAP, L.Ac., Dipl. OM, the study’s principal investigator and Medical Director of Pediatric Integrative Medicine, stated, “Pediatric Integrative Medicine can fill key service gaps in existing health systems, particularly in offering non-pharmacologic pain control methods and emotional regulation strategies.” He added that this approach particularly benefits complex populations like patients with long-COVID and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, who often struggle to find appropriate care within traditional medical frameworks.

Kristi Artz, MD, MS, FACLM, CCMS, Vice President of UH Connor Whole Health, emphasized the importance of the whole health model. “This study demonstrates the variety of integrative and lifestyle strategies that can be implemented to improve the health of our pediatric patients,” she noted.

Currently, UH Connor Whole Health is implementing patient-reported outcome measures in its clinics to further analyze the impact of pediatric integrative medicine on patient health outcomes. The findings from this research represent a significant step toward enhancing care for pediatric patients and addressing their diverse health needs through a more holistic approach.