Functional Digestive Disorders Observatory

Functional digestive pathologies are defined by symptoms such as functional dyspepsia, gastroesophageal reflux, irritable bowel syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux, functional constipation, functional diarrhea, functional bloating, the opioid-induced constipation and fecal incontinence, without organic substratum. These diseases are very common in the general population (20%) and represent the first cause of consultation in city gastroenterology.

The pathophysiology of these functional disorders is complex and often multifactorial: digestive motility disorders, digestive sensitivity disorders, sphincter dysfunction, post-surgery, intestinal inflammation, dysbiosis, disruption of the gut-brain axis. For example, it has been shown that one in four patients with proven remission of chronic inflammatory bowel disease reports digestive symptoms compatible with a functional intestinal disorder, suggesting a pathophysiological continuum between these two conditions.

In our center, patients with functional digestive disorders undergo a comprehensive assessment that evolves in line with scientific advances and the emergence of new diagnostic or prognostic tools. This assessment helps to identify the pathophysiological mechanisms involved in the functional digestive disorder: disturbances in digestive motility, visceral hypersensitivity, mucosal alterations, sub-inflammatory syndrome, and dysfunction of the gut-brain axis. All of these abnormalities may be promoted by a genetic predisposition leading to alterations in neurotransmitters, immune function, mucosal integrity, and so on.

Our objective is to study the pathophysiological mechanisms, including genetic factors, responsible for functional digestive disorders as a whole, whether or not they are sequelae of an organic pathology.

To do that, we collect prospective clinical and tests data and we perform a biological collection from biological samples (digestive biopsies, blood, urine and fecal samples) collected as part of the standard care. This collection could identify diagnostic or prognostic markers of the therapeutic response. The investigators hope that a better knowledge of the pathophysiology of digestive functional diseases will improve the therapeutic management by making a therapeutic choice based on the observed pathophysiological abnormalities.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients over 18 years of age;
• Patients with functional digestive disorder for more of 3 months;
• Patients assessed as part of routine care;
• Patients affiliated to the Social Security ;
• Patients not opposed to participation in the Centre

Exclusion criteria

• Person deprived of liberty by administrative or judicial decision or major protected subject (under guardianship or curatorship);
• Patients unable for any reason to read, understand, respond questionnaires (visual, psychiatric, cognitive, etc.)