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Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Indian Journal of Pediatrics Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease is an important cause of chronic diarrhea in children, with a rising incidence, globally. The two main subtypes include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The clinical features are variable, and diagnosis requires initial first-line investigations followed by the involvement of specialist input for targeted imaging and endoscopy with biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis. Despite detailed investigation, inflammatory bowel disease may be clinically indistinguishable from chronic infections such as intestinal tuberculosis, and anti-tuberculosis treatment may be considered prior to further management considerations. The medical management of inflammatory bowel disease depends on subtype classification and severity, and may involve a step-wise approach to immunosuppressive therapies. In children, the consequences of poorly controlled disease are wide ranging, from psychosocial impacts and school non-attendance, to growth impairment and pubertal delay with subsequent impacts on bone health. In addition, an increased need for hospitalization and surgical intervention, and ultimately risk of cancer long-term. A multi-disciplinary team with expertise in inflammatory bowel disease is recommended to mitigate these risks and help to achieve the goal of sustained remission with endoscopic healing. This review focuses on updates on best clinical practice on the diagnosis and management of inflammatory bowel disease in children.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Gastroenterology and Nutrition, Royal Children’s Hospital, Melbourne, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia

    Asha Jois & George Alex

  2. Department of Pediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia

    George Alex

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  1. Asha Jois
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  2. George Alex
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Both the authors contributed to the literature search, analysis, creation and review of this original manuscript. GA will act as guarantor for this manuscript.

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Correspondence to George Alex.

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Jois, A., Alex, G. Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Children. Indian J Pediatr 91, 490–498 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-023-04671-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-023-04671-0

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