Questionnaire-Based Survey on Epidemiology of Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders and Current Status of Gastrointestinal Motility Testing in Asian Countries

Abstract

Background/Aims: Functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) are diagnosed and classified using the latest Rome IV criteria, released in 2016. Epidemiology of FGID diagnosed by the Rome IV criteria and current clinical application of gastrointestinal motility testing in Asian countries are not well known. The aims of this survey are to elucidate the present situation of epidemiology and diagnostic tests of FGID in clinical practice in some East and Southeast Asian countries. Methods: The questionnaire focusing on current situation of FGID diagnosis and gastrointestinal motility testing was distributed to members of the International Gastroenterology Consensus Symposium study group and collected to be analyzed. Results: The prevalence rates of subtypes of both functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are relatively similar in all Asian countries. In these countries, most patients underwent both upper endoscopy and Helicobacter pylori test to diagnose FD. Colonoscopy was also frequently performed to diagnose IBS and chronic constipation. The frequency of gastrointestinal motility testing to examine gastric emptying and colonic transit time varied among Asian countries. Conclusions: This survey revealed epidemiology of FGIDs and current status of gastrointestinal motility testing in some East and Southeast Asian countries.