Prevalence of Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Utilizing the Rome IV Criteria

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.