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[Rome III classification of functional gastrointestinal disorders in children with chronic abdominal pain]

Anna Plocek1, Krystyna Wasowska-Królikowska, Ewa Toporowska-Kowalska

  • 1Klinika Alergologii, Gastroenterologii i Zywienia Dzieci Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Łodzi. ankapl@wp.pl

Medycyna Wieku Rozwojowego
|April 6, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in children with chronic abdominal pain. The Rome III criteria identify many cases but require modification for symptom frequency to improve diagnosis.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
  • Chronic Abdominal Pain

Context:

  • Paediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are categorized using the Rome III Classification.
  • Chronic abdominal pain in children is a common presenting complaint in pediatric gastroenterology.
  • The Rome III criteria include functional dyspepsia (FD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), abdominal migraine, functional abdominal pain (FAP), and functional abdominal pain syndrome (FAPS).

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of the Rome III criteria in diagnosing FGIDs in pediatric patients experiencing chronic abdominal pain.
  • To assess the prevalence of FGIDs among children referred for evaluation of persistent abdominal pain.

Summary:

  • A study of 439 children with chronic abdominal pain found FGIDs to be the most frequent diagnosis.
  • Rome III criteria identified FGIDs in 82.02% of functional cases, but 17.98% did not meet criteria, often due to symptom frequency.
  • Organic causes were identified in 36.58% of patients.

Impact:

  • The findings highlight FGIDs as a primary cause of chronic abdominal pain in children.
  • The study suggests a need to revise the Rome III classification, particularly regarding symptom frequency, to better diagnose FGIDs.
  • Improved diagnostic criteria could lead to more accurate and timely management of pediatric FGIDs.
Abstract

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