Prevalence of Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Utilizing the Rome IV Criteria

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence of functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders in children 0-18 years old according to the newly established Rome IV diagnostic criteria as reported by parents in a representative community sample.

Study design: A cross-sectional study in which mothers (n = 1255) of children aged 0-18 years old in the US were recruited to complete an online survey about their child's GI symptoms, quality of life (QoL), and other health conditions.

Results: Based on the Rome IV criteria, 24.7% of infants and toddlers aged 0-3 years and 25.0% of children and adolescents aged 4-18 years fulfilled symptom-based criteria for a functional GI disorder. The most common functional GI disorders were infant regurgitation among infants (24.1%) and functional constipation among both toddlers (18.5%) and children and adolescents (14.1%). QoL was diminished in pediatric patients with functional GI disorders (median = 71.69 vs median = 87.60; z = -11.41; P < .001). Children were more likely to qualify for a functional GI disorder if their parent qualified for a functional GI disorder (35.4% vs 23.0%; P < .001).

Conclusions: Based on Rome IV criteria, functional GI disorders are common in pediatric populations of all ages and are associated with decreased QoL.

Keywords: Rome IV; functional GI disorder; pediatric; quality of life.