Background/Aims: To investigate the intra-rater (test-retest) reliability of the diagnosis of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) as measured by the Questionnaire on Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Rome IV version (QPGS-IV) in children. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in a public school in Cali, Colombia. Children and adolescents between 11 and 18 years of age were given the self-report Spanish version of the QPGS-IV at day 0 (baseline) and at day 2 (48 hours later). Results: The study protocol was completed by 215 children, of which 97 (45%) were excluded from analysis due to the inability to follow the questionnaire’s instructions. The final analysis included data of 118 children (mean age 15.0 ± SD 1.8 years old, 58.5% boys). The most common diagnoses were functional dyspepsia, functional constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. We found a moderate intra-rater reliability (κ = 0.61-0.65) for diagnosing an FGID in general, a functional abdominal pain disorder, and the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia. We found a weak intra-rater reliability (κ = 0.46-0.54) for diagnosing a functional defecation disorder, functional constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and the postprandial distress syndrome subtype of functional dyspepsia. Conclusions Our study shows that a large proportion of children cannot adequately complete the QPGS-IV and that the intra-rater reliability among those who did adequately follow the instructions is moderate. We advise to test the children’s understanding of the instructions prior to completion of questionnaires and recommend to not rely exclusively on a self-reported questionnaire to select, recruit, or evaluate pediatric patients for FGIDs for research purposes.

Background/Aims: To investigate the intra-rater (test-retest) reliability of the diagnosis of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) as measured by the Questionnaire on Pediatric Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders, Rome IV version (QPGS-IV) in children. Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted in a public school in Cali, Colombia. Children and adolescents between 11 and 18 years of age were given the self-report Spanish version of the QPGS-IV at day 0 (baseline) and at day 2 (48 hours later). Results: The study protocol was completed by 215 children, of which 97 (45%) were excluded from analysis due to the inability to follow the questionnaire’s instructions. The final analysis included data of 118 children (mean age 15.0 ± SD 1.8 years old, 58.5% boys). The most common diagnoses were functional dyspepsia, functional constipation, and irritable bowel syndrome. We found a moderate intra-rater reliability (κ = 0.61-0.65) for diagnosing an FGID in general, a functional abdominal pain disorder, and the diagnosis of functional dyspepsia. We found a weak intra-rater reliability (κ = 0.46-0.54) for diagnosing a functional defecation disorder, functional constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, and the postprandial distress syndrome subtype of functional dyspepsia. Conclusions Our study shows that a large proportion of children cannot adequately complete the QPGS-IV and that the intra-rater reliability among those who did adequately follow the instructions is moderate. We advise to test the children’s understanding of the instructions prior to completion of questionnaires and recommend to not rely exclusively on a self-reported questionnaire to select, recruit, or evaluate pediatric patients for FGIDs for research purposes.

Background/Aims: To assess the effectiveness and feasibility of a brief session of hypnosis to reduce distress in children with functional constipationundergoing anorectal manometry (ARM). Methods: A partially-blinded randomized controlled pilot trial was conducted in children 4-18 years old scheduled for ARM. Children were randomized to receive a brief session of hypnosis prior to ARM or standard care. Non-blinded and blinded observers rated the child’s level of distress using the Observation Scale of Behavioral Distress and a 4-point-Likert scale, respectively. Differences between groupswere analyzed using Fisher’s exact test or Mann-Whitney U test as appropriate. Results: Data from 32 children (15 hypnosis and 17 standard care) were analyzed. Prior to insertion of the catheter, the observed mean levels of distress were lower in the hypnosis group according to both the non-blinded observer (median 0.0 [interquartile range {IQR} 0.0-0.3] vs 1.4 [IQR 0.3-2.4]; P = 0.009) and the blinded observer (median 0.0 [IQR 0.0-0.0] vs 0.5 [IQR 0.0-1.0]; P = 0.044). During ARM, observed and reported levels of distress did not differ significantly. In the hypnosis group, 92.9% of parents and childrenreported that hypnosis helped the child to relax. There were no significant differences in resting pressure, squeeze pressure, or duration of the procedure between both groups. Conclusion A brief session of hypnosis for children before ARM is an easily incorporable intervention that lowers distress levels prior to theprocedure and is positively perceived by children and parents.