Rome IV—Functional GI Disorders: Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction

William L. HaslerView Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT) Every May, Gastroenterology publishes a supplementary issue devoted to a topic of particular interest to the science and practice of gastroenterology. Through a collaboration between Gastroenterology and the Rome Foundation, we are delighted to present to you the launching of Rome IV with this series of reviews on functional gastrointestinal disorders. Rome IV occurs fully 10 years after publication of Rome III in this same journal.1Drossman DA, Corazziari E, Delvaux M, et al. Rome III: The Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. 130 ed. 2006:1377–1556.Google Scholar Functional GI Disorders, better defined as Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction, though ever present in human society, have only in the last several decades been studied scientifically, categorized and treated based on well-designed clinical investigative studies. Without a structural basis to explain its clinical features, our understanding of these disorders adhere to a biopsychosocial model2Drossman D.A. Presidential Address: Gastrointestinal Illness and Biopsychosocial Model.Psychosom Med. 1998; 60: 258-267Crossref PubMed Scopus (312) Google Scholar which is best represented for these disorders in the growing field of neurogastroenterology.3Pasricha P.J. Neurogastroenterology: A great career choice for aspiring gastroenterologists thinking about the future.Gastroenterol. 2011; 140: 1126-1128Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (8) Google Scholar Symptoms are generated based on a complex interaction among factors such as microbial dysbiosis within the gut, altered mucosal immune function, altered gut signaling (visceral hypersensitivity) and central nervous system dysregulation of the modulation of gut signaling and motor function. Since publication of Rome III there has been a marked and exciting expansion in our scientific understanding of these disorders, as detailed in this issue, and this has led to improved treatments. The process for developing the database of information ultimately leading to this special issue is complex. Each article is produced by a series of 5 to 8 expert international investigators and clinicians who were selected for a multi-year project based on their scientific record as well as diversity criteria to cover the broad range of knowledge needed. We covered a wide range of scientific disciplines; from basic science to physiology, mental health, social science and clinical gastroenterology, and geographic localization spanning six continents. The first stage of this effort began over 6 years ago by selecting working teams to acquire and publish reviews and recommendations of new information in areas needed to help the future Rome IV committees produce their articles and chapters. Working team reports included cross-cultural aspects of research, the concept of severity of functional GI disorders (FGIDs), end points and outcomes in clinical trials, the microbiome, and food and diet. 4Mayer E.A. Aziz Q. Coen S. et al.Brain imaging approaches to the study of functional GI disorders: A Rome working team report.Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2009; 21: 579-596Crossref PubMed Scopus (171) Google Scholar, 5Spiegel B. Camilleri M. Bolus R. et al.Psychometric evaluation of enpoints in IBS randomized controlled trials: A Rome foundation working group report.Gastroenterol. 2009; 137: 1944-1953Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (58) Google Scholar, 6Drossman D.A. Chang L. Bellamy M. et al.Severity in irritable bowel syndrome: A Rome working team report.Am J Gastroenterol. 2011; 106: 1749-1759Crossref PubMed Scopus (155) Google Scholar, 7Simren M. Barbara G. Flint H. et al.Intestinal microbiota in functional bowel disorders: A Rome Foundation working team report.Gut. 2012; Google Scholar, 8Chey W.D. The role of food in the functional gastrointestinal disorders: introduction to a manuscript series.Am J Gastroenterol. 2013; 108: 694-697Crossref PubMed Scopus (38) Google Scholar, 9Sperber A.D. Gwee K.A. Hungin A.P. et al.Conducting multinational, cross-cultural research in the functional gastrointestinal disorders: issues and recommendations. A Rome Foundation working team report.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2014; 40: 1094-1102Crossref PubMed Scopus (32) Google Scholar, 10Schmulson M. Corazziari E. Ghoshal U.C. et al.A four-country comparison of healthcare systems, implementation of diagnostic criteria, and treatment availability for functional gastrointestinal disorders: A report of the Rome Foundation Working Team on cross-cultural, multinational research.Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2014; : 1368-1385Crossref Scopus (33) Google Scholar, 11Hungin A.P. Molloy-Bland M. Claes R. et al.Systematic review: the perceptions, diagnosis and management of irritable bowel syndrome in primary care–a Rome Foundation working team report.Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2014; 40: 1133-1145Crossref PubMed Scopus (40) Google Scholar, 12Ghoshal U.C. Gwee K.A. Chen M. et al.Development, translation and validation of enhanced asian Rome III questionnaires for diagnosis of functional bowel diseases in major asian languages: a Rome Foundation-asian neurogastroenterology and motility association working team report.J Neurogastroenterol Motil. 2015; 21: 83-92Crossref Scopus (45) Google Scholar Then in 2011 the work began to form the 17 committees charged to review and synthesize information and produce manuscripts with communication over conference call, email and in 2014, a meeting in Rome. There were 5 iterations of the manuscripts, most of which were reviewed and modified based on feedback from the 6 members of the Rome IV editorial board and over 50 outside reviewers. In the end, each committee produced a chapter for the Rome IV book that includes a more detailed online version with graphical illustrations, while the reviews in this special issue of Gastroenterology provide condensed articles that cover the essentials of each topic. This special issue covers the full range of the field of FGIDs. It starts with an overview by Douglas Drossman13Drossman D.A. Functional gastrointestinal disorders: history, pathophysiology, clinical features and Rome IV.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1262-1279Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (1117) Google Scholar who provides an operational definition and classification system for FGIDs (Table 1), discusses the process with which the committees created the scientific content through evidence-based review and when needed consensus (Delphi method)14Milholland A.V. Wheeler S.G. Heieck J.J. Medical assessment by a delphi group opinion technic.New Engl J Med. 1973; 298: 1272-1275Crossref Scopus (187) Google Scholar, the changes that occurred between Rome III and Rome IV, the history, conceptual and scientific understanding of FGIDs as a group via the biopsychosocial model, and it ends with a general approach to the care of patients with disorders ranging from mild to severe.Table 1Functional Gastrointestinal DisordersA. Esophageal DisordersA1. Functional chest painA4. GlobusA2. Functional heartburnA5. Functional dysphagiaA3. Reflux hypersensitivityB. Gastroduodenal DisordersB1. Functional dyspepsiaB3. Nausea and vomiting disorders B1a. Postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) B3a. Chronic nausea vomiting syndrome (CNVS) B1b. Epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) B3b. Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)B2. Belching disorders B3c. Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) B2a. Excessive supragastric belchingB4. Rumination syndrome B2b. Excessive gastric belchingC. Bowel DisordersC1. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)C2. Functional constipation IBS with predominant constipation (IBS-C)C3. Functional diarrhea IBS with predominant diarrhea (IBS-D)C4. Functional abdominal bloating/distension IBS with mixed bowel habits (IBS-M)C5. Unspecified functional bowel disorder IBS unclassified (IBS-U)C6. Opioid-induced constipationD. Centrally Mediated Disorders of Gastrointestinal PainD1. Centrally mediated abdominal pain syndrome (CAPS)D2. Narcotic bowel syndrome (NBS)/ Opioid-induced GI hyperalgesiaE. Gallbladder and Sphincter of Oddi (SO) DisordersE1. Biliary pain E1a. Functional gallbladder disorder E1b. Functional biliary SO disorderE2. Functional pancreatic SO disorderF. Anorectal DisordersF1. Fecal incontinence F2c. Proctalgia fugaxF2. Functional anorectal painF3. Functional defecation disorders F2a. Levator ani syndrome F3a. Inadequate defecatory propulsion F2b. Unspecified functional anorectal pain F3b. Dyssynergic defecationG. Childhood Functional GI Disorders: Neonate/ToddlerG1. Infant regurgitationG5. Functional diarrheaG2. Rumination syndromeG6. Infant dyscheziaG3. Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)G7. Functional constipationG4. Infant colicH. Childhood Functional GI Disorders: Child/AdolescentH1. Functional nausea and vomiting disordersH2a1. Postprandial distress syndrome H1a. Cyclic vomiting syndrome (CVS)H2a2. Epigastric pain syndrome H1b. Functional nausea and functional vomiting H2b. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) H2c. Abdominal migraineH1b1. Functional nausea H2d. Functional abdominal pain ‒ NOSH1b2. Functional vomitingH3. Functional defecation disorders H1c. Rumination syndrome H3a. Functional constipation H1d. Aerophagia H3b. Nonretentive fecal incontinenceH2. Functional abdominal pain disorders H2a. Functional dyspepsia Open table in a new tab The overview is followed by a series of reviews by the committees that drill down on the bases for understanding these disorders, and set the stage for the clinical information to follow. Stephen J. Vanner, et al15Vanner S.J. Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. Mawe G.M. et al.Fundamentals of neurogastroenterology– basic science.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1280-1291Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (78) Google Scholar (Fundamentals of Neurogastroenterolgy: Basic Science; pages 1280–1291) provide basic information on the enteric nervous system, sensory physiology underlying pain and neuroimmune signaling, intestinal barrier function and the role of the microbiome. Guy Boeckxstaens, et al16Boeckxstaens G. Camilleri M. Sifrim D. et al.Fundamentals of Neurogastroenterology: Physiology/Motility –Sensation.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1292-1304Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (81) Google Scholar (Fundamentals of Neurogastroenterology: Physiology/Motility –Sensation; pages 1292–1304) carries this information further into the physiological realm discussing the function of anatomic regions of the digestive tract, the abnormalities in physiological processes that lead to symptom generation, and the pathophysiology of enhanced visceral perception, and motor dysfunction. Giovanni Barbara, et al17Barbara G. Feinle-Bisset C. Ghoshal U.C. et al.The intestinal microenvironment and functional gastrointestinal disorders.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1305-1318Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (206) Google Scholar (The Intestinal Microenvironment and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders; pages 1305–1318) discuss the role of luminal factors (diet, the microbial environment, and the epithelial barrier) on regulation and dysregulation of gut function leading to functional GI symptoms. Michael Camilleri, et al18Camilleri M. Buéno L. Andresen V. et al.Pharmacological, Pharmacokinetic, and Pharmacogenomic Aspects of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1319-1331Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (29) Google Scholar (Pharmacological, Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacogenomic Aspects of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders; pages 1319–1331) review preclinical pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and toxicology and the application of pharmacogenomics in understanding medicinal treatments for patients with FGIDs. Lesley A. Houghton, et al19Houghton L.A. Heitkemper M. Crowell M.D. et al.Age, gender and women’s health and the patient.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1332-1343Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (62) Google Scholar (Age, Gender, and Women's Health and the Patient; pages 1332–1343) cover the range of societal and sociological factors relevant to the clinical expression of FGIDs (gender, age, culture, and society) and in addition discuss the patient’s perspective of illness. Carlos F. Francisconi and Ami D. Sperber, et al20Francisconi C.F. Sperber A.D. Fang X. et al.Multicultural aspects in functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs).Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1344-1354Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (47) Google Scholar (Multicultural Aspects in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders (FGIDs); pages 1344–1354) offer a global perspective on the FGIDs to help us understand how geographical diversities in culture, race, and ethnicity impact the patient’s explanatory model of their illness, symptom reporting and behavior, and treatments. Lukas Van Oudenhove, et al21Van Oudenhove L. Levy R.L. Crowell M.D. et al.Biopsychosocial aspects of functional gastrointestinal disorders: how central and environmental processes contribute to the development and expression of functional gastrointestinal disorders.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1355-1367Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (259) Google Scholar (Biopsychosocial Aspects of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: How Central and Environmental Processes Contribute to the Development and Expression of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders; pages 1355–1367) offer a comprehensive review on the complex interaction of environmental, psychological and biological factors leading to the genesis, clinical expression and perpetuation of functional GI disorders. They also include a detailed flowchart to help the clinician navigate the evaluation and treatment of psychosocial aspects of the illness. With this comprehensive introduction to the basic aspects of the field, the subsequent articles cover epidemiology, pathophysiology, psychosocial and clinical features and diagnostic evaluation (including the Rome IV diagnostic criteria) and treatment recommendations for the 33 adult and 17 pediatric FGIDs. As is traditional for the Rome Foundation, the disorders are categorized by anatomic regions in adults and by age in pediatric FGIDs Qasim Aziz, et al22Aziz Q. Fass R. Gyawali C.P. et al.Esophageal disorders.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1368-1379Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (302) Google Scholar (Esophageal Disorders; pages 1368–1379) introduce more information on the relationship of visceral hypersensitivity, central hypervigilance and motor disturbance in explaining the variety of esophageal conditions from globus to chest pain, to functional dysphagia and describe the new entity of reflux hypersensitivity, where there is physiologically normal acid reflux but symptoms related to visceral hypersensitivity. Vincenzo Stanghellini, et al23Stanghellini V. Chan F. Hasler W.L. et al.Gastroduodenal disorders.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1380-1392Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (749) Google Scholar (Gastroduodenal Disorders; pages 1380–1392) provide additional information and evidence to support the subcategorization of functional dyspepsia into overlapping postprandial distress and epigastric pain syndrome,24Farre R. Vanheel H. Vanuytsel T. et al.In functional dyspepsia, hypersensitivity to postprandial distention correlates with meal-related symptom severity.Gastroenterol. 2013; 145: 566-573Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (79) Google Scholar introduce the cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome25Allen J.H. de Moore G.M. Heddle R. et al.Cannabinoid hyperemesis: Cyclical hyperemesis in association with chronic cannabis abuse.Gut. 2004; 53: 1566-1570Crossref PubMed Scopus (356) Google Scholar and discuss further our understanding and management of chronic nausea vomiting syndrome and supragastric belching. Brian E. Lacy and Fermín Mearin, et al26Lacy B.E. Mearin F. Chang L. et al.Bowel disorders.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1393-1407Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (1515) Google Scholar (Bowel Disorders; pages 1393–1407) provide revised definitions for the subcategorization of IBS based on recent normative population data, and introduce opioid induced constipation (OIC).27Camilleri M. Drossman D.A. Becker G. et al.Emerging treatments in neurogastroenterology: a multidisciplinary working group consensus statement on opioid-induced constipation.Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 2014; 26: 1386-1395Crossref PubMed Scopus (147) Google Scholar Laurie Keefer, et al28Keefer L. Drossman D.A. Guthrie E. et al.Centrally mediated disorders of gastrointestinal pain.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1408-1419Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (78) Google Scholar (Centrally Mediated Disorders of Gastrointestinal Pain; pages 1408–1419) update our knowledge of centrally mediated abdominal pain syndrome (CAPS, formerly known as functional abdominal pain syndrome - FAPS) and introduce the new entity, Narcotic bowel syndrome (Opioid induced GI hyperalgesia).29Drossman D.A. Morris C.B. Wrennall C.E. et al.Diagnosis, characterization, and 3-month outcome after detoxification of 39 patients With Narcotic Bowel Syndrome.Am J Gastroenterol. 2012; 107: 1426-1440Crossref PubMed Scopus (43) Google Scholar Peter B. Cotton, et al30Cotton P.B. Elta G.H. Carter C.R. et al.Gallbladder and sphincter of Oddi disorders.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1420-1429Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (108) Google Scholar (Gallbladder and Sphincter of Oddi disorders; pages 1420–1429) provide compelling evidence and make recommendations to reconsider the Milwaukee classification of the sphincter of oddi (SOD) disorders. Now removed from FGIDs is the previous SOD type I which is due to structural stenosis and SOD type III which falls into the general functional GI pain realm, since there is no benefit for sphincterotomy.31Cotton P.B. Durkalski V. Romagnuolo J. et al.Effect of Endoscopic Sphincterotomy for Suspected Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction on Pain-Related Disability Following Cholecystectomy.JAMA. 2014; 311: 2101-2109Crossref PubMed Scopus (145) Google Scholar Finally, Satish Rao, et al32Rao S.S.C. Bharucha A.E. Chiarioni G. et al.Anorectal disorders.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1430-1442Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (247) Google Scholar (Anorectal Disorders; pages 1430–1442) provide an in depth discussion of the rectal pain and dyssynergic syndromes and the use of physiological testing for diagnostic assessment and treatment application.33Bharucha A.E. Rao S.S. An update on anorectal disorders for gastroenterologists.Gastroenterol. 2014; 146: 37-45Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF PubMed Scopus (137) Google Scholar There are two pediatric articles that cover the FGIDs in neonate-toddlers and children. Marc A. Benninga and Samuel Nurko, et al34Benninga M.A. Nurko S. Faure C. et al.Childhood functional gastrointestinal disorders: neonate/toddler.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1443-1455Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (338) Google Scholar (Childhood Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Neonate/Toddler; pages 1443–1455) offer more neurobiological evidence to support our understanding of GI pain experienced in infants and toddlers and provides the classification system for 7 FGIDs. Finally, Jeffrey Hyams and Carlo Di Lorenzo, et al35Hyams J.S. Di Lorenzo C. Saps M. et al.Functional gastrointestinal disorders: child/adolescent.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1456-1468Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (619) Google Scholar (Childhood Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: Child/Adolescent; pages 1456–1468) present revised diagnostic criteria to more closely approximate the adult disorders including the postprandial distress syndrome (PDS) and epigastric pain syndrome (EPS) subsets of functional dyspepsia. Finally, E. Jan Irvine and Jan Tack, et al36Irvine E.J. Tack J. Crowell M.D. et al.Design of treatment trials for functional gastrointestinal disorders.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1469-1480Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (73) Google Scholar provide an update on methodological issues relating to the design of treatment trials in FGIDs (Design of Treatment Trials for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders; pages 1469–1480). Functional GI disorders are separated from everyday GI symptoms based on frequency data that determines abnormality. By determining abnormal frequencies one can create a diagnostic questionnaire that can be used to identify patients with FGIDs for clinical research. To this end Olafur Palsson, et al37Palsson O.S. Whitehead W.E. van Tilburg M.A.L. et al.Development and validation of the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire for adults.Gastroenterology. 2016; 150: 1481-1491Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (278) Google Scholar (Development and Validation of the Rome IV Diagnostic Questionnaire for Adults; pages 1481–1491) report the results of the multicenter validation of the Rome IV questionnaire based on a US population sample of over 1000 subjects. We do hope that this special issue has something for everyone engaged in the research and care of patients with functional GI Disorders. We have come a long way in the last 10 years and special thanks to the efforts of the 120 investigators involved in Rome IV, we can now provide this information to you. Enjoy!Senior Editor of Rome IV: Douglas A. Drossman, MD, Professor Emeritus of Medicine and Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Center for Education and Practice of Biopsychosocial Care and Drossman Gastroenterology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Associate Editors of Rome IV: Lin Chang, MD, Professor of Medicine, Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress, Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; William D. Chey, MD, Timothy T. Nostrant Professor of Gastroenterology & Nutrition Sciences, Director, GI Nutrition & Behavioral Wellness Program, Co-Director, Michigan Bowel Control Program, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan; JOHN KELLOW, MD, Associate Professor and Head of the Discipline of Medicine, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; JAN TACK, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Head, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Head of Clinic, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital KU Leuven, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Leuven, Belgium; WILLIAM E. WHITEHEAD, PhD, Professor of Medicine and OBGYN, Director, UNC Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Senior Editor of Rome IV: Douglas A. Drossman, MD, Professor Emeritus of Medicine and Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Center for Education and Practice of Biopsychosocial Care and Drossman Gastroenterology, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Associate Editors of Rome IV: Lin Chang, MD, Professor of Medicine, Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress, Division of Digestive Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California; William D. Chey, MD, Timothy T. Nostrant Professor of Gastroenterology & Nutrition Sciences, Director, GI Nutrition & Behavioral Wellness Program, Co-Director, Michigan Bowel Control Program, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor, Michigan; JOHN KELLOW, MD, Associate Professor and Head of the Discipline of Medicine, Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia; JAN TACK, MD, PhD, Professor of Medicine, Head, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Head of Clinic, Department of Gastroenterology, University Hospital KU Leuven, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders (TARGID), Leuven, Belgium; WILLIAM E. WHITEHEAD, PhD, Professor of Medicine and OBGYN, Director, UNC Center for Functional GI and Motility Disorders, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, UNC School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. We wish to extend our thanks and gratitude to the Rome IV authors for their expertise, dedicated pursuit of the literature, and to synthesize their outstanding efforts into a clear and concise set of knowledge and recommendations. Special thanks also go to our Rome IV Managing Editor (Ceciel Rooker) and her staff for coordinating this effort in a short period of time, to Laura Flecha who served as the managing editor of this special issue, and to Jerry Schoendorf for creating the cover of this issue.