Do we have an alternative for the Rome III gastroduodenal symptom-based subgroups in XXXX ? A cluster analysis approach.

@entity1 @entity308 @entity146 @entity1109 @entity1209 @entity148 @entity74 @entity158 @entity2210 @entity2383
BACKGROUND: @entity2210 ( @entity2210 ) is a heterogeneous @entity74 . The Rome III consensus proposed a subdivision into @entity158 , based on gastroduodenal symptom pattern only; @entity1209 were classified as separate @entity2383 ( @entity2383 ). We aimed to investigate an alternative subdivision of @entity2383 , taking into account gastric sensorimotor function, @entity148 _ @entity308 and 'somatization', besides gastroduodenal symptoms. METHODS: Gastroduodenal symptom data were available for 857 consecutive @entity2383 @entity1 (Rome II criteria). In a subsample (n=259), additional data were obtained on gastric sensitivity, @entity148 , @entity308 and 'somatization'. Two separate cluster analyses were performed. In analysis 1, clustering was based on individual gastroduodenal symptom scores. In analysis 2, gastric sensitivity, @entity148 _ @entity308 and 'somatization', besides @entity1109 score, were used for clustering. KEY RESULTS: Analysis 1 identified four clusters, largely supporting the Rome III classification, with early satiation, @entity158 and @entity1209 , besides a limited severity cluster (R(2) = 0.32). Analysis 2 suggested a five-cluster solution (R(2) = 0.48). @entity148 , @entity308 and 'somatization' were the most important variables separating the clusters. 'Primary somatization' (with low psychiatric symptom levels) as well as 'secondary somatization' (with high @entity148 _ @entity308 scores) subgroups were identified, besides three other subgroups characterized by @entity146 , mild @entity148 and limited overall severity, respectively. CONCLUSIONS _ INFERENCES: We propose an alternative to the current subgrouping in @entity2383 that is exclusively based on gastroduodenal symptoms. This may have consequences for future classification of @entity2383 , as well as broader relevance towards the debate on subgrouping 'functional somatic syndromes'.
