Inflammatory bowel disease in children

Pediatric Crohn's disease is a severe disease with digestive and extra-digestive manifestations. Growth retardation is a common feature. Diagnosis is based on endoscopy and histology with evidence of granulomas. Remission can be achieved by using anti-inflammatory treatment or continuous enteral feeding. Course of the disease is marked by relapse with extension. Surgery is limited in children. Ulcerative colitis is limited on rectum and colon and includes also extra-digestive manifestations. Bloody diarrhoea with abdominal pain is characteristic. Diagnosis is based on endoscopy and histology. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease but can include rapidly colectomy for persistent severe bloody diarrhoea.