Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 18, 2026
Chronic Salmonella Infection Induced Intestinal Fibrosis
Published on: September 22, 2019
Characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease with onset during the first year of life
Frank M Ruemmele1, Maurice G El Khoury, Cécile Talbotec
1Paediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Hôpital Necker-Enfants Malades, National Center for Rare Digestive Diseases INSERM EMI U793, University René Descartes, Paris, France. frank.ruemmele@nck.aphp.fr
Insights
Very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in infants often presents severely, with frequent relapses. Bacterial infections and antibiotic use before IBD onset may influence disease characteristics in this young population.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Neonatal Medicine
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research
Background:
- Limited data exists on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) onset and progression in infants under one year old.
- Very early onset IBD (VEO-IBD) requires further investigation to understand its unique characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the clinical characteristics and course of VEO-IBD in children under one year of age.
- To explore the potential relationship between bacterial infections, antibiotic use, and VEO-IBD onset.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of the Necker-Enfants-Malades-Hospital IBD database.
- Inclusion criteria: IBD onset within the first year of life and a minimum follow-up of 2.5 years.
- Identified 10 patients with VEO-IBD between 1996 and 2002.
Main Results:
- All patients presented with rectal bleeding and colonic involvement.
- Diagnoses included Crohn disease (4), ulcerative colitis (2), and indeterminate colitis (4).
- Five patients had a history of neonatal bacterial infection and antibiotic use; 7 experienced severe disease onset requiring intensive treatment and 3 needed surgery. Relapses occurred in 80% of cases.
Conclusions:
- VEO-IBD may represent a distinct subgroup of patients sensitive to gut microbiota alterations.
- Neonatal IBD onset is frequently associated with severe presentation and clinical course.
Background:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is recognized in young children, however, only rare data on onset and evolution are available in children younger than 1 year. In the present clinical study, we aimed to analyze characteristics and clinical course of children with very early onset IBD. We were particularly interested in the relationship between bacterial infections and the use of antibiotics before the onset of IBD.
Patients And Methods:
The IBD database of Necker-Enfants-Malades-Hospital was screened for patients with IBD with disease onset during the first year of life and a follow-up of at least 2.5 years. Ten patients were identified during the period 1996-2002.
Results:
All patients presented with rectal bleeding and had colonic involvement. Four patients had definitive diagnosis of Crohn disease; ulcerative or indeterminate colitis was seen in 2 and 4 children, respectively. Five of the patients had a positive history of neonatal or early-onset bacterial infection with use of antibiotics before onset of IBD, 4 patients were still breastfed and 3 just weaned when GI symptoms started. Seven patients had a severe onset of disease requiring bowel rest, parenteral nutrition and steroid medication, followed by azathioprine or cyclosporine medication. Surgery was necessary in 3 of 10 patients. Disease relapses were frequent and observed in 8 of 10 children.
Discussion:
Very early onset IBD may reflect a subgroup of patients characterized by a particular sensitivity to modifications of the intestinal flora. Neonatal IBD was most often severe in presentation and evolution.
More Related Videos
08:50A Murine Model of Fetal Exposure to Maternal Inflammation to Study the Effects of Acute Chorioamnionitis on Newborn Intestinal Development
Published on: June 24, 2020
07:18Oral Gavage in Neonatal Mouse Pups and Functional Assessment of Gut Barrier Integrity Using Ussing Chambers
Published on: January 9, 2026
Related Concept Videos
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by transmural...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
01:27Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
01:26Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Introduction
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Clinical Manifestations
01:20Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Ulcerative Colitis