This study provides the first systematic empirical evidence that RAP, originally defined by Apley, includes children whose symptoms are consistent with the symptom criteria for several FGIDs defined by the Rome criteria. The pediatric Rome criteria may be useful in clinical research to (1) describe the symptom characteristics of research participants who meet Apley's broad criteria for RAP, and (2) select patients with particular symptom profiles for investigation of potential biologic and psychosocial mechanisms associated with pediatric FGIDs.

More than half of patients classified as having a functional problem met at least one pediatric Rome II diagnosis for FGIDs. This study offers initial support for the validity of several of the criteria.

This study supports the content validity of the QPGS. Form A is a reliable measure for parents of children 4 to 9 years old, but the child self-report Form C appears to be more reliable for 10 to 18 year olds.

Impairment of growth and malnutrition are significant complications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in pediatric patients. Since this topic was last reviewed in these pages (), a number of studies have further explored the epidemiology and pathogenesis of these nutritional complications of IBD in an effort to provide more effective interventions to prevent the long-term consequences of chronic nutrient deficiencies in childhood. In addition, during the past 15 years, the use of selected nutrients and microorganisms (probiotics) as primary or adjunctive therapy for the treatment of IBD has become an emerging area of great interest. The following is a Clinical Report from the Nutrition and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Committees of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition.