Diagnostic Accuracy of the Rome IV Criteria for the Diagnosis of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children.

Abstract: The diagnosis of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) centers on symptoms-based criteria (Rome criteria). The last edition of the criteria was published in 2016. Still, few data on its validity support its use in children. We conducted a study aimed at determining the diagnostic accuracy of the Rome IV criteria through the application of questionnaires (Questionnaire of Pediatric Gastrointestinal Symptoms-Rome IV QPGS-IV) to diagnose FGIDs in children. We hypothesized that the Rome IV criteria has adequate diagnostic accuracy supporting its use for diagnosing FGIDs in children.

Methods: School children ages 10 to 18 years from Cali (Colombia) completed the Spanish version of the QPGS-IV. Children with FGIDs were matched with a group of children without FGIDs. Both groups had a medical consultation with a blinded experienced pediatric gastroenterologist (criterion standard) who provided his diagnosis. The questionnaire-based diagnoses were compared with the consultation's diagnoses.

Results: Of 487 schoolchildren surveyed with the QPGS-IV, 97 (20.8%) had FGIDs. Eighty-nine with FGIDs were matched with 92 children without FGIDs (mean age 13.1 years [±1.3]). We found a higher prevalence of FGIDs during the medical visit than using the self-report QPGS-IV (66.3% vs 49.2%, P = 0.001), mainly in abdominal pain disorders (19.3% vs 10.5%, P = 0.013). The Rome IV diagnostic criteria using the QPGS-IV had a sensitivity of 75% (95% confidence interval, 59-79) and 90% specificity (95% confidence interval, 83-98). Positive predictive value is 85.8%, and negative predictive value is 79.9%.

Conclusion: Our study suggests that the QPGS-IV has adequate diagnostic accuracy.