IntroductionThe Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and the Rome III Process
Section snippets
The Rome III Classification System FGIDs
The 28 adult and 17 pediatric FGIDs are presented in Table 1. These are symptom-based diagnostic criteria that are not explained by other pathologically based disorders. In recent years, however, histological findings have been identified that blur the distinction between “functional” and “organic.”3, 10, 36 The FGIDs are better categorized by their motor and sensory physiology and CNS relationships that produce disorders of GI functioning; as such, there can be clinical overlap of FGIDs with
Scientific Observations on the Pathophysiology of Functional GI Disorders
Using Figure 1 as a template, the following is a more detailed description of these associations.
An Approach to the Care of Patients With Functional GI Disorders
This section provides general care guidelines for patients with FGIDs. Further information can be found elsewhere.91, 92, 93, 94, 95
The Rome Committees and Criteria Development
Beginning about 15–20 years ago, and with greater recognition of the FGIDs, the academic environment was receptive to a classification system that could be used for research and clinical care. At this time, the Rome working teams began, and have since served as the nidus to modify and update information on these disorders. With no prior standards or evidence from research, the groups developed criteria by consensus (via the Delphi Approach).99, 100 Over time and with acquisition of new data,
Concluding Comments
It is with great anticipation that we introduce this issue of Gastroenterology: Rome III, The Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. We hope that the information will help the reader gain a better understanding of these disorders and help clinicians in the diagnosis and care of our patients. This work is the culmination of a 5-year effort of 87 internationally recognized investigators representing 18 countries. As we look back on the process, the information we have obtained is comprehensive,
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