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[Perianal fistulae and abscesses in children: consider Crohn's disease]
Usha K Coblijn1, Tim G J de Meij, Hugo A Heij
1AMC en VUmc, Kinderchirurgisch Centrum Amsterdam, Amsterdam.
Insights
Perianal fistulae and abscesses in older children may indicate Crohn's disease. Early diagnosis and treatment of Crohn's disease can resolve these lesions without surgery.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Colorectal Surgery
Background:
- Perianal fistulae and abscesses are common in infants as isolated issues.
- In older children, these conditions can signal underlying Crohn's disease.
Observation:
- Four children with recurrent perianal fistulae and abscesses were studied.
- These lesions resolved after Crohn's disease diagnosis and treatment.
Findings:
- Crohn's disease should be suspected in older children with perianal fistulae and abscesses.
- Treatment focused on Crohn's disease remission led to resolution of perianal lesions.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the importance of considering Crohn's disease in pediatric perianal conditions.
- Suggests medical management of Crohn's disease as a primary approach over surgical intervention for associated perianal disease.
Abstract:
While perianal fistulae and abscesses in infants usually occur as an isolated phenomenon, in older children Crohn's disease might be the underlying etiologic factor. We present four children of different ages with recurrent perianal fistulae and abscesses. Only after the diagnosis Crohn's disease was established and adequate treatment was initiated, the perianal lesions disappeared without further surgical treatment. Perianal fistulae and abscesses in older children should raise the suspicion of Crohn's disease, in which case therapy is indicated to induce and maintain remission of the underlying disease instead of surgical intervention.
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