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Prematurity is a risk factor of disorders of gut-brain interaction in adults: A case-control study

Olivier Courbette1, Camille Girard-Bock2, Anik Cloutier2

  • 1Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Sainte-Justine University Hospital Center, Montreal H3T1C5, Quebec, Canada. olivier.courbette@gmail.com.

World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics
|August 29, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Adults born prematurely have a higher risk of developing disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), including functional bowel disorders. This risk is influenced by prematurity-related factors, mental health, and sex.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Neonatology
  • Psychiatry

Background:

  • Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) involve chronic gastrointestinal symptoms.
  • Early life stressors are potential contributors to DGBI.
  • Prematurity and neonatal factors may influence DGBI development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between prematurity and the development of DGBI in adulthood.
  • To identify specific neonatal factors influencing DGBI in individuals born prematurely.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving adults born extremely prematurely (<29 weeks gestation) and controls.
  • Utilized the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire for DGBI assessment.
  • Collected data on neonatal factors, sociodemographics, anxiety, and depression.

Main Results:

  • Adults born prematurely showed a significantly higher prevalence of functional bowel disorders.
  • Women born prematurely had increased rates of functional gastroduodenal disorders, functional bowel disorders, and functional constipation.
  • Risk factors included prematurity-related conditions, psychological factors (anxiety, depression), and female sex.

Conclusions:

  • Prematurity is confirmed as a significant risk factor for developing DGBI.
  • This study provides the first case-control evidence in a well-characterized cohort of adults born prematurely.
  • Findings highlight the long-term impact of prematurity on gut-brain interaction.
Abstract

Keywords:
ConstipationDisorders of gut-brain interactionLife stressPainPrematurityPreterm birth

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