Overlapping of functional gastrointestinal disorders in latinamerican schoolchildren and adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: There are few studies on overlapping Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs).

Objective: To describe the prevalence and possible risk factors in Latin American children (Latam) to present overlapping FGIDs.

Patients and Method: Prevalence study in Latam schoolchildren between 8-18 years of age. Sociodemographic variables were included; the Rome III Criteria in Spanish were used, and overlapping FGIDs were considered when two, three or four and more FGIDs were presented in the same child. The statistical analysis included Student’s T-test, chi-square test, Fisher’s exact test, univariate and multivariate analysis, and calculation of ORs and 95% CI, being considered a significant p < 0.05.

Results: 6,193 Latam children were analyzed (11.8 ± 2.2 years, 62.2% between 8-12 years of age, 50.4% girls, 68.0% public school), and 23.4% with a diagnosis of some kind of FGIDs. There was overlap of FGIDs in the same child, in 8.4% (5.5% with 2 FGIDs, 2.1% with 3 FGIDs and 0.9% with 4 or more FGIDs), the main overlaps were irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) + functional abdominal pain (FAP) (2.6%), and IBS + FAP + functional constipation (1.1%). There was predominance of the female gender.

Conclusion: There is a low prevalence of overlapping FGIDs in Latam schoolchildren and adolescents, with a predominance in females and of very variable presentation