title: Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders Dominate Pediatric Gastroenterology Outpatient Practice.
abstract: Symptom-based diagnostic criteria have improved recognition and standardization of pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). We used Rome 3 diagnostic criteria to determine the prevalence of FGIDs in pediatric gastroenterology clinic. In the process, we developed a diagnostic questionnaire for infants and toddlers.
  
  
  
  We enrolled new patients ≤18 years referred during 19 months to a pediatric gastroenterology clinic. Subjects or parents completed a demographic survey and a the Questionnaire on Pediatric Gastrointestinal symptoms, Rome 3 Version (if ≥4 years, or a new infant-toddler questionnaire) before their appointment.
  
  
  
  We acquired data from 976 subjects: 476 boys, 592 white. Of 332 subjects <4 years, 172 (52%) met diagnostic criteria for ≥1 FGIDs. Of 644 subjects ≥4 years, 486 (75%) met diagnostic criteria for ≥1 FGIDs. Thirty one (9%) subjects <4 years and 170 (26%) subjects ≥4 years met the criteria for ≥2 FGIDs. Of the total sample of subjects <4 years, common FGIDs included functional constipation (29%), infant regurgitation (13%), and cyclic vomiting syndrome (10%). Of the total sample of subjects ≥4 years, common FGIDs included irritable bowel syndrome (36%), abdominal migraine (19%), functional constipation (17%), cyclic vomiting syndrome (8%), functional abdominal pain syndrome (7%), aerophagia (7%), and functional dyspepsia (7%).
  
  
  
  More than half of new pediatric gastrointestinal clinic patients met the Rome 3 criteria for ≥1 FGIDs. Satisfying the criteria may facilitate diagnosis on the first visit.
authors.affiliation: *Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center †Children's Hospital of New Orleans, Division of Gastroenterology, New Orleans, LA.
authors.forename: Audra S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Rouster
authors.forename: Aryn C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Karpinski
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Silver
authors.forename: Javier
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Monagas
authors.forename: Paul E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Hyman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005762:Gastroenterology; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010045:Outpatients; D010372:Pediatrics; D015995:Prevalence; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires