Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder prevalence is high in children with gastroparesis and functional dyspepsia

Background Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) prevalence in children with gastroparesis (Gp) and/or functional dyspepsia (FD) is unknown. We aimed to identify ARFID prevalence and trajectory over 2 months in children with Gp, FD, and healthy children (HC) using two screening questionnaires. We also explored the frequency of a positive ARFID screen between those with/without delayed gastric emptying or abnormal fundic accommodation. Methods In this prospective longitudinal study conducted at an urban tertiary care hospital, patients ages 10–17 years with Gp or FD and age‐ and gender‐matched HC completed two validated ARFID screening tools at baseline and 2‐month follow‐up: the Nine Item ARFID Screen (NIAS) and the Pica, ARFID, and Rumination Disorder Interview‐ARFID Questionnaire (PARDI‐AR‐Q). Gastric retention and fundic accommodation (for Gp and FD) were determined from gastric emptying scintigraphy. Key Results At baseline, the proportion of children screening positive for ARFID on the NIAS versus PARDI‐AR‐Q was Gp: 48.5% versus 63.6%, FD: 66.7% versus 65.2%, HC: 15.3% versus 9.7%, respectively; p