National Medical Expenditures Associated With Pediatric Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction in the United States

Limited research has evaluated national medical expenditures associated with pediatric disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), despite the high prevalence of these disorders in children and their association with reduced quality of life.

We used data from the 2017-2022 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) to estimate the individual- and national-level outpatient, office-based, prescribed medication, emergency room, inpatient, and other medical expenditures, and overall expenditures associated with pediatric DGBI. Pediatric DGBI included International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10) codes associated with irritable bowel syndrome, functional dyspepsia, and other functional intestinal disorders (including constipation) among 40,067 individuals ≤ 18 years receiving medical care in the United States.

After controlling for predisposing factors, enabling resources, and co-morbid medical conditions, total per patient annual medical expenditures were $5217 (in 2022 dollars) for pediatric patients with DGBI-an estimate that was $2587 greater than the estimated medical expenditures for children without DGBI. Incremental spending from DGBI patients versus patients without DGBI was highest for outpatient visits followed by office-based visits, prescribed medications, and emergency room visits. Total annual medical expenditures for pediatric patients with DGBI were estimated at $2.08 billion.

The results illuminate the significant national medical expenditures associated with pediatric DGBI, suggesting the potential importance of early detection and effective treatment for pediatric DGBI and the need for future research to improve assessment and evidence-based treatment for pediatric DGBI.