Validation of Rome IV Criteria in Diagnosis of IBS as a Part of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders among Children

Abstract

Abstract Background There are few validation studies of existing diagnostic criteria for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). We conducted a validation study of the Rome IV criteria in diagnosis of IBS as a part of functional gastrointestinal disorders among children (FGIDs). These revisions are expected to improve clinical care in children with FGIDs. We hypothesize that red flags may appear after the initial diagnosis leading to categorization of patients to organic illness rather than functional. Aim of the Work The aim of this study is to validate the Rome IV criteria in diagnosis of IBS as a part of functional gastrointestinal disorders among children. Patients and Methods Enrollment was targeted at children(4-16yrs) with chronic abdominal pain for 3 months or more and any patient with red flags were excluded from the study. The resulting sample included 200 patients. They were then followed up for 3 months then re-classification of the patients according to Rome 4 criteria. Comparison between the initially diagnosed patients as functional Gastrointestinal disorders with the final diagnosis after the 3 months follow in order to pick up any red flags which might appear. Results Diagnosis and follow up of patients using Rome IV is efficient in excluding organic diseases and diagnosing IBS as one of the FGIDs in children however there was interchangeable results between sub-types of IBS after the follow up of patients. None of our patients developed red flags of organic illness. Conclusion Rome criteria is helpful in diagnosing IBS and its subtypes and avoiding the need for further investigations.