Insights on Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders in Children: Pathogenesis, Prevalence, and Clinical Management

Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) include a combination of chronic or recurrent gastrointestinal symptoms not explained by biochemical or structural abnormalities. The precise pathogenetic mechanism leading to the onset of FGIDs is unclear. FGIDs are currently diagnosed according to the Rome criteria, that allow a "positive" diagnosis, without performing invasive tests. However, in spite of the Rome criteria, diagnostic approach to FGIDs still varies widely among different countries due to several factors, including cultural customs. Over the last years, interest in the study and recognition of FGIDs in children has increased. Nevertheless, despite some promising developments, more research is needed to further understand the pathophysiology and treatment of these conditions that remain one of the great challenges in modern paediatric gastroenterological practice. The main aims of the present Ph.D. thesis were: 1. to evaluate the current diagnostic-therapeutic approach to FGIDs; 2. to define the prevalence of FGIDs in the Mediterranean part of Europe; 3. to improve and standardize clinical trials in FGIDs.