Prevalence of Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Utilizing the Rome IV Criteria

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are prevalent in children, impacting their well-being.
• The Rome IV criteria provide updated diagnostic guidelines for these conditions.
• Understanding the prevalence and impact of pediatric GI disorders is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of functional GI disorders in children aged 0-18 years using the Rome IV criteria.
• To assess the impact of these disorders on children's quality of life (QoL).
• To explore potential associations between parental and child functional GI disorders.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1255 mothers of children aged 0-18 years in the US.
• Online surveys were used to collect data on children's GI symptoms, QoL, and other health conditions.
• Diagnosis of functional GI disorders was based on the Rome IV criteria.

Main Results:

• Functional GI disorders were diagnosed in 24.7% of infants/toddlers (0-3 years) and 25.0% of children/adolescents (4-18 years).
• Infant regurgitation and functional constipation were the most common diagnoses.
• Children with functional GI disorders experienced significantly lower QoL compared to those without.

Conclusions:

• Functional GI disorders are common across all pediatric age groups based on Rome IV criteria.
• These disorders are associated with a significant reduction in pediatric quality of life.
• A higher likelihood of functional GI disorders in children was observed when parents also had these conditions.