Recognition and treatment of genitourinary complications in paediatric Crohn's disease using Infliximab

N A Afzal1, M U Shenoy, S Haque

  • 1Department of Paediatrics, Southampton University Hospital NHS Trust, Southampton, UK. N.Afzal@soton.ac.uk

Insights

Genitourinary complications in children with Crohn's disease are rare but serious. Infliximab may help heal fistulas, but individualized treatment remains crucial for managing this pediatric Crohn's complication.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Urology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background:

  • Genitourinary complications of Crohn's disease (CD) are recognized but under-reported, particularly in pediatric cases.
  • Limited data exists on the clinical course and management strategies for pediatric CD-related urological issues.

Observation:

  • This case series details five pediatric patients with severe Crohn's disease experiencing diverse urological complications.
  • All affected children required immunosuppressive therapy, including Infliximab, due to disease severity.

Findings:

  • Three out of four children with fistulas achieved healing and closure following treatment.
  • Despite fistula healing, subsequent surgeries were still necessary for other reasons in these patients.

Implications:

  • Infliximab presents a potential therapeutic option for managing genitourinary fistulas in pediatric Crohn's disease.
  • Treatment decisions for pediatric Crohn's urological complications should be individualized due to the lack of established consensus.
Abstract

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