INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE IN INFANCY

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may begin as early as the first year of life. The objective of the present study was to determine the characteristics and clinical course of children with early-onset IBD.The records of patients with IBD admitted to Children Medical Center Hospital during 2003-2006 were screened for those with disease onset before the first year of life and who had a follow-up of at least 2 years.12 patients (8 boys, 4 girls) were identified. 9 had Crohn's disease. All of the patients had colitis. One of parents had IBD in 9 patients; 2 had a positive family history for IBD. 7 patientshad weaned of breast fed when the gastrointestinal symptoms started. 10 patients had a severe onset of disease requiring total parenteral nutrition, and steroid followed by azathioprine. 3 patients with Crohn's disease needed surgery; another 3 with Crohn's disease died during the study. Of those with ulcerative colitis, one is in complete remission.The prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease in infancy is unknown, but appears to be increasing. The course of the disease seems more severe.