Rome V criteria for pediatric disorders of gut–brain interaction: key updates and clinical implications

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction The Rome criteria have provided the acclaimed global standard for diagnosing pediatric functional gastrointestinal disorders. With the release of Rome criteria V in 2026, the field has undergone a major transformation. The notable changes are the replacement of the term functional gastrointestinal disorders with disorders of gut–brain interaction (DGBIs) and shifting from age-based subdivisions to an anatomical and symptom cluster framework. Area covered We reviewed pediatric Rome V documents and available evidence to cover both upper and lower gastrointestinal disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI). The new diagnostic entities such as reflux hypersensitivity, reflux negative esophageal pain disorder, supragastric belching, functional pediatric feeding disorders, centrally mediated abdominal pain syndrome, biliary pain syndrome, proctalgia fugax, functional diarrhea, functional bloating, and infant distress syndrome were discussed in detail. Expert opinion Rome V provides clinicians with a more precise diagnostic framework. However, many new entities remain descriptive, highlighting the urgent need for epidemiological studies, mechanistic research, and biomarker discovery. Large multicenter trials, in DGBI should be conducted using physiological studies, microbiome analysis, and psychosocial profiles to generate robust evidence on pathophysiology, and management strategies. Ultimately, Rome V should be seen as a launchpad for discovery–transforming descriptive categories into mechanically defined, therapeutically actionable disorders that improve outcomes for children worldwide.