Some adult Disorders of the Gut–Brain Interaction According to Rome IV Criteria That May Occur in the Pediatric Age Group

Background: Disorders of the gut–brain interaction (DGBIs) constitute a group of func-tional conditions widely described in adults; however, some of these have not been in-cluded in pediatric Rome Criteria, despite the fact that they may manifest during childhood. Early identification of these conditions is relevant due to their clini-cal/psychosocial impact, as well as their effect on quality of life. The aim was to determine the prevalence and associated factors of some DGBIs described in adults according to the Rome IV Criteria in pediatric population. Methods: An observation-al/prospective/cross-sectional study was conducted in toddlers, school-aged children, and adolescents from three Colombian cities. The adapted Questionnaire for Pediatric Gas-trointestinal Symptoms Rome IV (QPGS-IV) using adult criteria was applied, along with quality-of-life scales and PROMIS for anxiety/depression. Descriptive uni/bivariate analyses were performed, as well as a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: 789 participants were included (13.7±2.8 years old). The prevalence of DGBIs described in adults according to QPGS-IV was 5.8%, proctalgia fugax being the most frequent. In the bivariate analysis, race, school/social absenteeism, depressive traits, and impaired quality of life were significantly associated. In the multivariate model depressive traits (OR=4,08; 95%CI=1,82-9,12; p=0,001), school (OR=2,51; 95%CI=1,06-5,98; p=0,036), and social ab-senteeism (OR=4,04; 95%CI=1,70-9,62; p=0,002) were the factors independently associated. Conclusions: These adult’s DGBIs according to the QPGS-IV can occur in pediatric pop-ulations and are closely related to psychoemotional and functional factors. They are mainly associated with depression and school/social absenteeism, supporting the need for a biopsychosocial approach and a revision of pediatric diagnostic criteria.