Functional gastrointestinal disorders frequency by Rome IV criteria

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
• Clinical Epidemiology

Background:

• Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are highly prevalent in children, significantly impacting their well-being and family life.
• Current diagnostic criteria, such as Rome IV, aim to standardize FGID diagnosis in pediatric populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the frequency of FGIDs in a pediatric gastroenterology setting based on Rome IV criteria.
• To investigate potential seasonal variations in the diagnosis of pediatric FGIDs.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, descriptive study was conducted over 12 months.
• Children under 16 with suspected FGIDs undergoing their first pediatric gastroenterology consultation were enrolled.
• Diagnosis and classification were performed according to Rome IV criteria.

Main Results:

• FGIDs were suspected in 44.6% and diagnosed in 32.4% of 574 pediatric consultations.
• Functional constipation was the most common FGID in younger children (<4 years), while functional abdominal pain and dyspepsia were most frequent in older children (>4 years).
• No statistically significant seasonal variation in FGID diagnosis was found for the overall population or by age group.

Conclusions:

• FGIDs represent a substantial proportion (one-third) of pediatric gastroenterology consultations.
• Despite the inclusivity of Rome IV criteria, a notable percentage of patients with suspected FGIDs do not meet diagnostic thresholds.
• The study found no significant seasonal influence on the diagnosis of FGIDs in the pediatric population.