Neha R. Santucci, MBBS, MD
- Director, Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction Program at the Neurogastroenterology and Motility Center
- Associate Professor, UC Department of Pediatrics
- neha.santucci@cchmc.org
- Board Certified
About
Biography
I’m a physician and scientist whose clinical and research activities focus on neurogastroenterology, including motility and functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs).
I became a pediatric clinician and researcher because childhood illnesses take such a large toll on function, quality of life and family dynamics. I want to play a role in alleviating patient and caregiver struggles. In my clinical practice, I diagnose motility disorders, teach children and their families how to cope with chronic illness and prepare them for the eventual transition from pediatric to adult gastroenterology care. I also work closely with other pediatric specialists at Cincinnati Children’s; together we use a multidisciplinary approach to provide patient-centered care.
My research interests include irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, abdominal migraine and functional abdominal pain not otherwise specified. Because current pharmacologic treatments for FGIDs are suboptimal, we’re looking at ways to improve care using a biopsychosocial approach. To that end, I’m studying the effects of sleep and other biopsychosocial influences on pain and the effects of neurostimulation on chronic pain.
Outside of my clinical, scientific and teaching duties, I’m a member of the Center for Understanding Pediatric Pain, the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN), and the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society (ANMS). I am also the vice chair of the NASPGHAN Integrative Medicine Special Interest Group.
MBBS: Seth GS Medical College and King Edward Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, India, 2009
Residency: General Pediatrics, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY
MD: State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 2014
Fellowship: Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Louisiana State University, Children's Hospital of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Certifications: American Board of Pediatrics, 2014; Education Committee for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG), 2009
Interests
Pediatric gastroenterology; neurogastroenterology and motility disorders; functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGID)
Services and Specialties
Insurance Information
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Publications
Polysomnography demonstrates worse sleep in children and adolescents with disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) compared to healthy children: A case-control study. Sleep Medicine. 2026; 143:108907.
Determination of Psychological Comorbidities in Children With Acute Recurrent or Chronic Pancreatitis Referred for Total Pancreatectomy With Islet Autotransplantation Evaluation: A Single-Center Study. Pancreas. 2026; 55(6):e647-e652.
Children and adolescents with disorders of gut-brain interaction with comorbid hypermobility and orthostatic intolerance have worse outcomes. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2026; 82(6):1394-1399.
Patterns in integrative medicine usage among pediatric patients in a disorders of gut-brain interaction clinic. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2026.
0911 Characterization of Sleep Architecture and Other Sleep Biomarkers in Adolescents with Functional Abdominal Pain. Sleep. 2026; 49(Supplement_1):a406-a406.
0775 Sleep Timing in Children and Adolescents with Functional Abdominal Pain Disorders. Sleep. 2026; 49(Supplement_1):a346-a346.
Tu1723 CHARACTERIZATION OF SLEEP ARCHITECTURE AND OTHER SLEEP BIOMARKERS IN ADOLESCENTS WITH FUNCTIONAL ABDOMINAL PAIN. Gastroenterology. 2026; 170(6):s-1974-s-1975.
Tu1723 CHARACTERIZATION OF SLEEP ARCHITECTURE AND OTHER SLEEP BIOMARKERS IN ADOLESCENTS WITH FUNCTIONAL ABDOMINAL PAIN. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2026; 103(5):s-1974-s-1975.
Tu1713 CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH DISORDERS OF GUT-BRAIN INTERACTION AND ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER HAVE WORSE PSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING IN A CASE CONTROL STUDY. Gastroenterology. 2026; 170(6):s-1969-s-1970.
Tu1713 CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH DISORDERS OF GUT-BRAIN INTERACTION AND ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER HAVE WORSE PSYCHOLOGICAL FUNCTIONING IN A CASE CONTROL STUDY. Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. 2026; 103(5):s-1969-s-1970.
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