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Prevalence of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in European Infants and Toddlers
Nina F Steutel1, Judith Zeevenhooven2, Elena Scarpato3
1Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Clinical Epidemiology, Bioinformatics and Biostatistics, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are common in young children. Infant regurgitation and functional constipation are prevalent, with younger age, formula feeding, and domestic violence linked to FGID occurrence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Public Health
Background:
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) represent a significant health concern in early childhood.
- Understanding the prevalence and risk factors for FGIDs in infants and toddlers is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in a community-based sample of young children aged 0-48 months.
- To identify associated risk factors for FGIDs in different age groups within this pediatric population.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional, multicenter study was conducted in Belgium, Italy, and The Netherlands.
- Validated questionnaires, tailored for infants (0-12 months) and toddlers (13-48 months), assessed clinical history, symptoms, sociodemographics, and stressful life events.
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders were diagnosed based on the Rome IV criteria.
Main Results:
- The study included 2751 children, with FGID prevalence of 24.7% in infants and 11.3% in toddlers.
- Infant regurgitation was the most common FGID in infants (13.8%), while functional constipation predominated in toddlers (9.6%).
- Younger age and formula feeding were associated with FGIDs in infants; domestic violence exposure in parents was linked to FGIDs in toddlers.
Conclusions:
- Functional gastrointestinal disorders are highly prevalent in Western European infants and toddlers.
- Infant regurgitation and functional constipation are the most common FGIDs in their respective age groups.
- Key associated factors include younger age, formula feeding, and parental exposure to domestic violence, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Objective:
To assess the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) in young children in a cross-sectional, multicenter study in Belgium, Italy, and The Netherlands.
Study Design:
Children were enrolled if they were age 0-48 months, attending a general pediatrician (Belgium, Italy) or a well-baby clinic (The Netherlands) for routine follow-up. Separate questionnaires were developed for infants age 0-12 months and for toddlers age 13-48 months. Questionnaires evaluated the clinical history, symptoms, sociodemographic information on the family, and exposure to stressful life events. FGIDs were defined according to Rome IV criteria.
Results:
In total 2751 children were included: 1698 infants age 0-12 months and 1053 children age 13-48 months. The prevalence of any FGID in infants age 0-12 months and 13-48 months was 24.7% and 11.3%, respectively. The most common disorders were infant regurgitation (13.8%) in infants and functional constipation (9.6%) in toddlers. Multivariable regression analyses demonstrated that younger age (P = .030) and formula feeding (P = .045) were associated with the prevalence of any FGID among infants. Country (Italy) (P = .033) and parents subjected to domestic violence (P = .035) were associated with the prevalence of any FGID in toddlers age 13-48 months.
Conclusions:
FGIDs are common in a community sample of Western European infants and toddlers. Regurgitation is most prevalent in infants and functional constipation is most common in toddlers. Younger age, formula feeding, and domestic violence to parents are associated with the prevalence of FGIDs.
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