Long-Term Study of Children With ROME III Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Managed Symptomatically in a...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Biopsychosocial Healthcare

Background:

• Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in children.
• Understanding FGID progression and contributing factors is crucial for effective management.
• Long-term outcomes in pediatric FGIDs treated symptomatically require further evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the progression of ROME III-defined FGIDs in children.
• To identify factors associated with treatment outcomes in pediatric FGIDs.
• To assess the long-term follow-up of children managed with a biopsychosocial model.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of pediatric patients diagnosed with ROME III FGIDs.
• Analysis of demographics, management strategies, and treatment response (complete, partial, no improvement).
• Long-term follow-up data collection on disease progression and outcomes.

Main Results:

• 258 children included; mean age 10.6 years, 55.4% female, mean follow-up 18.7 months.
• Common FGIDs: functional abdominal pain (45%), IBS (20.9%), functional dyspepsia (12.8%), abdominal migraine (8.1%).
• Partial/no improvement group showed more encounters, lab abnormalities, endoscopies, treatment changes, and new FGID diagnoses compared to complete improvement.

Conclusions:

• Children with ROME III FGIDs experiencing partial/no improvement have poorer outcomes.
• These patients require more follow-up visits, investigations, and treatment modifications.
• Symptomatic treatment within a biopsychosocial model may benefit pediatric FGID management.