Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 20, 2026
Evaluating Therapeutic Interventions in the SHIP-deficient Mouse Model of Crohn Disease-like Ileitis and Fibrosis
Published on: October 14, 2025
Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: specificity of very early onset
Teresa Capriati1, Sabrina Cardile2, Bronislava Papadatou2
1a Artificial Nutrition Unit and Hepato-Metabolic Disease Unit , Pediatric Hospital Bambino Gesu , Rome , Italy.
Insights
Early-onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (<6 years) can stem from genetic defects. Monogenic IBD-like diseases differ from standard IBD in subtypes, sex prevalence, and treatment needs.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Genetics
- Immunology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) incidence has risen globally.
- Genetic defects are increasingly linked to early-onset IBD (<6 years).
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and update knowledge on the specific characteristics of IBD presenting before age six.
- To differentiate between conventional IBD and monogenic IBD-like diseases in this age group.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on early-onset IBD (<6 years).
- Analysis of disease phenotypes, genetic factors, and clinical outcomes.
- Comparison between monogenic IBD-like diseases and conventional IBD.
Main Results:
- Females are less frequently affected by monogenic IBD-like disorders, some with X-linked inheritance.
- Crohn's Disease (CD) subtype suggests monogenic causes, while Unclassified IBD (IBDU) is more common in conventional IBD.
- Isolated colonic location is prevalent in both IBD subsets at <6 years onset compared to later onset.
- Monogenic disorders often require aggressive treatment and carry risks of lymphoma.
Conclusions:
- Early-onset IBD (<6 years) encompasses both standard IBD and distinct monogenic IBD-like conditions.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and management.
- Monogenic IBD-like diseases present unique challenges requiring tailored therapeutic strategies.
Introduction:
The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has increased over the last 50 years. It is now recognized that several genetic defects can express an IBD-like phenotype at very early onset (<6 years).
Areas Covered:
The aim of this review was to update knowledge concerning the specificity of IBD at onset <6 years, which can include conventional/standard IBD as well as monogenic IBD-like diseases. Expert commentary: We found that females are less prone than males to develop monogenic disorders, which have X-linked heritability in several cases. Furthermore, the Crohn's Diseases (CD) subtype seems to be suggestive of monogenic disorders while Unclassified IBD (IBDU) subtype is predominantly found in conventional/standard IBD at onset <6 years. Isolated colonic location is prevalent in both the subsets of IBD at onset <6 years if compared to IBD at later onset. Monogenic disorders require more aggressive medical and surgical treatments and can be complicated by the occurrence of lymphomas.
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...
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...
01:17Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
01:30Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
01:23Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption
01:22Appendicitis-I: Introduction
Etiology: Appendicitis can arise from various causes, primarily rooted in the obstruction of the appendix lumen. Factors contributing to this obstruction include fecal accumulation, lymphoid hyperplasia and, in...