What Is the Difference Between Rome III and Rome IV?

By Michael Ferguson

In the field of gastroenterology, the Rome criteria are widely used to diagnose and classify functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs). These criteria provide a standardized approach to classifying and diagnosing various disorders based on specific symptoms and diagnostic criteria.

The Rome criteria have undergone several revisions over the years, with Rome III and Rome IV being the most recent versions. Let’s explore the key differences between these two versions.

Rome III

The Rome III criteria were published in 2006 and were considered a significant update from the previous version, Rome II. These criteria aimed to improve diagnostic accuracy and consistency for FGIDs. Some notable features of Rome III include:

  • Multi-symptom approach: The Rome III criteria took into account multiple symptoms experienced by patients rather than focusing on a single symptom.
  • Subcategories: This version introduced subcategories within certain disorders, allowing for more precise classification. For example, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was categorized into IBS with constipation (IBS-C), IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), mixed IBS (IBS-M), and unsubtyped IBS (IBS-U).
  • Time duration: The duration of symptoms required for diagnosis varied depending on the disorder. For example, to diagnose IBS, symptoms had to be present for at least six months.

Rome IV

The Rome IV criteria were published in 2016 as an update to further refine the classification of FGIDs. This version aimed to address some limitations of the previous edition and incorporate new scientific findings. Here are some key features of Rome IV:

  • Bolder symptom-based approach: Unlike Rome III, Rome IV emphasizes a symptom-based approach rather than relying heavily on diagnostic tests or exclusion criteria. This allows for a more patient-centered and practical diagnosis.
  • Simplification of subcategories: Rome IV simplified the subcategories introduced in Rome III. For example, IBS is now categorized into IBS with constipation (IBS-C) and IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), with the mixed and unsubtyped categories being removed.
  • Expanded disorders: Rome IV introduced new disorders such as opioid-induced constipation and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome to reflect emerging clinical knowledge.

Conclusion

In summary, the Rome criteria serve as an essential tool in diagnosing FGIDs. While both Rome III and Rome IV focus on improving diagnostic accuracy, Rome IV takes a bolder symptom-based approach, simplifies subcategories, and incorporates new disorders. It is important for healthcare professionals to stay updated with the latest criteria to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective management of FGIDs.