Adult Rome IV Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction in a Pediatric Population

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Gastroenterology
• Gut-Brain Interaction Disorders
• Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

Background:

• Disorders of the Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBIs) are recognized in adults but underrepresented in pediatric diagnostic criteria.
• These conditions can manifest in childhood, impacting clinical and psychosocial well-being.
• Early identification is crucial for managing the impact on quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of adult-defined DGBIs in a pediatric population using Rome IV criteria.
• To identify factors associated with these DGBIs in children and adolescents.
• To explore the relationship between DGBIs, mental health, and functional outcomes.

Main Methods:

• An observational, prospective, cross-sectional study involving 704 participants aged 13.7 ± 2.8 years from three Colombian cities.
• Utilized the adapted Questionnaire for Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rome IV (QPGS-IV) based on adult criteria.
• Assessed quality of life and anxiety/depression using PROMIS scales, followed by statistical analyses including multivariate logistic regression.

Main Results:

• A prevalence of 5.8% for adult DGBIs was observed in the pediatric cohort, with proctalgia fugax being most common.
• Bivariate analysis revealed associations with race, school/social absenteeism, depressive traits, and impaired quality of life.
• Multivariate analysis identified depressive traits (OR=4.08), school absenteeism (OR=2.51), and social absenteeism (OR=4.04) as independent factors.

Conclusions:

• DGBIs, as defined in adults, occur in pediatric populations and are linked to psycho-emotional and functional issues.
• Depression and school/social absenteeism are significantly associated with these conditions in children.
• Findings support a biopsychosocial model and suggest a need to revise pediatric diagnostic criteria for DGBIs.