Disorders of gut–brain interaction are common diagnoses among infants and toddlers in gastroenterology practices in Latin America

Objectives To assess the relative frequency and associated factors of disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBIs) in outpatient gastrointestinal (GI) clinics in young children of Latin America. Methods Cross‐sectional study in 10 pediatric GI outpatient clinics (private and public) in five countries of Latin America (El Salvador, México, Colombia, Panamá, and Nicaragua). Parents of patients 1 month 4 years of age from outpatient clinics complete/d a diagnostic questionnaire for DGBIs per Rome IV criteria (QPGS‐IV, Spanish version). We conducted descriptive analysis, two‐sample t‐tests and chi‐square tests, univariate analyses, and logistic regression to evaluate risk factors. Results We collected data from 783 children. In total, 34.5% had a DGBI. Overall, functional constipation (FC) was the most common diagnosis (23.4%) in children of all ages (infants, 16.1%, 1–4‐years‐old, 32.7%). In infants, the second most common DGBI was regurgitation (6.6%) and in 1–4‐years‐old and cyclic vomiting syndrome (4.1%). The diagnosis of a DGBI was significantly associated with a family history of DGBIs (odds ratio [OR] 2.97, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.61–5.57, p = 0.0001). Patients who identified as black (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.28–3.92, p = 0.0021) or mixed race (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.25–2.48, p = 0.0006) were also significantly associated with a higher likelihood of DGBIs. Conclusions DGBIs are a common diagnosis in pediatric GI clinics of Latin America. Overall, FC was the most common DGBI. What is Known The pathogenesis of disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBIs) remains unknown, etiology seems to be multifactorial. Infantile colic is the most common DGBI in younger children using Rome IV criteria. There are regional variations in epidemiology of DGBIs among different countries as well as variability in local, cultural, and socioeconomic factors. What is New Functional constipation has a high relative frequency in younger children in pediatric gastrointestinal outpatient clinics from Latin America. We found a significant increase in the relative frequency of DGBIs with age. There was a significant association between diagnosis of DGBIs and family history.