Rome V global epidemiology and validation survey: prevalence of disorders of gut–brain interaction and comparison with the Rome IV global epidemiology study

Background The recently published Rome V adult diagnostic criteria facilitated an updated epidemiological survey of disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBI). Objective We aimed to describe the global epidemiology of DGBI using the Rome V criteria and compare it with the Rome IV Rome Foundation Global Epidemiology Study. Methods A population-based Internet survey of 28,771 adults was conducted in 15 countries using the Rome V diagnostic questionnaire. DGBI prevalence was determined and compared with the Rome IV data. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to examine associations of demographic factors to Rome V DGBI status in the global population and to assess potentially associated clinical factors. Results The surveys yielded similar results. The prevalence of at least one DGBI using the Rome V criteria was 40.9%, compared with 40.5% for Rome IV. In both, the prevalence was higher among females and decreased with increasing age. In the Rome V sample (25 DGBI), the most prevalent oesophageal disorder was functional dysphagia at 4.1%, the most prevalent gastroduodenal disorder was functional dyspepsia at 8.1%, unclassified bowel disorder was the most prevalent bowel disorder (9.6%), followed by chronic constipation (8.9%) and IBS (8.5%) and proctalgia fugax was the most prevalent anorectal disorder (7.3%). The prevalence rates for two new DGBI were 5.1% for abdominal migraine and 1.4% for inability to belch syndrome. Conclusion The Rome V global prevalence of DGBI is consistent with Rome IV. This bolsters confidence in the validity of prevalence rates for DGBI and reaffirms their high global burden.