Rumination Syndrome May Be More Prevalent Than Previously Reported
A disorder of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) of unknown cause, rumination syndrome may be more widespread than previously believed, according to new research.
The investigators set out to assess the global prevalence of rumination syndrome —also known as rumination disorder or merycism—a condition in which undigested food is regurgitated back into the mouth, where it may be chewed and swallowed again, or spit out. This usually occurs within 30 minutes of every meal, and it may be unintentional or a learned and intentional behavior.
Via the internet, the researchers collected data from participants in 26 countries, evenly distributed by nation, sex, and age groups. These participants were offered the opportunity to take a health survey” that included the Rome IV diagnostic questionnaire. A supplementary questionnaire addressing factors potentially associated with DGBI was also included.
Among 54,127 participants who completed the survey, 51% were male with a mean age of 44.3 years. The results showed that the overall prevalence of rumination syndrome was 3.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.0–3.3%).
“It was highest in Brazil (5.5% CI, 4.5–6.5) and lowest in Singapore (1.7% CI, 1.1–2.2). The mean age of people with rumination syndrome was 44.5 years (standard deviation, 15.6) and it was more common in females (54.5% vs 45.5%),” the authors wrote. “Factors independently associated with rumination syndrome were depression (odds ratio [OR], 1.46), anxiety (OR, 1.8), body mass index (OR, 1.04), and female sex (OR, 1.19). Subjects with multiple DGBI were at increased risk of having rumination syndrome, with the highest risk in subjects with 4 gastrointestinal regions with DGBI (OR, 15.9 compared with none).”
Participants with rumination syndrome showed a lower quality of life compared with others in the cohort, based on a PROMIS-10 score (physical QoL mean 12.9 vs 14.5; mental QoL mean 12.0 vs 13.6).
“The prevalence of rumination syndrome is higher than reported in most previous population studies and is likely underdiagnosed in clinical practice,” the authors noted. “Awareness of rumination syndrome should be raised among clinicians to improve care for these patients.”
--Rebecca Mashaw
Reference:
Josefsson A, Hreinsson JP, Simrén M, et al. Global prevalence and impact of rumination syndrome. Gastroenterology. 2022; 162(3):731-742.E9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2021.11.008
