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Published on: September 20, 2018
[Growth failure as a symptom of inflammatory bowel disease]
Liselotte C de Kloet1,2, Sebastian E E Schagen1, Anemone van den Berg1
1Juliana Kinderziekenhuis, afd. Kindergeneeskunde, Den Haag.
Insights
Growth failure in children may indicate undiagnosed inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Early diagnosis of IBD is crucial to prevent long-term growth impairment and ensure optimal adult height.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Endocrinology
- Gastroenterology
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Background:
- Growth failure is a potential indicator of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Diagnosing IBD can be challenging, especially with nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms.
- Delayed diagnosis of IBD is linked to reduced adult height.
Observation:
- A 15-year-old male presented with growth failure and delayed puberty.
- Further investigations led to a diagnosis of Crohn's disease.
Findings:
- Inflammatory bowel disease should be suspected in children with unexplained growth failure and delayed puberty.
- Thorough gastrointestinal symptom history is essential.
- Adherence to diagnostic guidelines for short stature is recommended.
Implications:
- Considering IBD in pediatric growth failure can lead to earlier diagnosis and intervention.
- Prompt IBD diagnosis helps mitigate negative impacts on long-term growth.
- This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in pediatric endocrinology and gastroenterology.
Background:
Growth failure can be a unique manifestation of untreated intestinal inflammation in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can, however, be difficult to diagnose IBD in the absence of symptoms or in the presence of aspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. A delay in diagnosis is a risk factor for lower adult height.
Case Description:
A 15--year-old boy was referred to a paediatric endocrinologist for growth failure and delayed puberty. Additional investigations were performed and he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease.
Conclusion:
IBD needs to be considered in a child presenting with growth failure and delayed puberty. A detailed medical history of any gastrointestinal symptoms should be taken. One should perform additional investigations according to the guidelines in a patient who fulfils criteria of short stature.
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