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Epidemiology of Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Rabia Khan1, M Ellen Kuenzig2, Eric I Benchimol3
1SickKids Inflammatory Bowel Disease Centre, Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), 555 University Avenue, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada.
Insights
Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rising globally. Environmental factors like diet, antibiotics, and pollution may trigger IBD in genetically susceptible children, impacting gut health.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Immunology
- Pediatric Health
- Environmental Medicine
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, is a chronic inflammatory condition.
- IBD is increasingly diagnosed in children and adolescents worldwide.
- Genetic predisposition combined with environmental factors triggers IBD through a dysregulated mucosal immune response to gut microbiota.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the epidemiology of pediatric-onset IBD.
- To explore various environmental risk factors contributing to the development of IBD in children.
- To synthesize current knowledge on factors influencing pediatric IBD incidence.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of epidemiological data on pediatric IBD.
- Analysis of environmental exposures and their association with IBD development.
- Discussion of established and emerging risk factors in pediatric IBD.
Main Results:
- Global incidence and prevalence of pediatric IBD are increasing.
- Key environmental factors implicated include the Hygiene Hypothesis, air pollution, reduced exposure to greenspace and bluespace, neonatal factors, antibiotic use, and dietary patterns.
- These factors interact with host genetics to influence the gut immune system.
Conclusions:
- Understanding pediatric IBD epidemiology is crucial for public health initiatives.
- Environmental factors play a significant role in the rising rates of pediatric IBD.
- Further research into specific environmental triggers and their mechanisms is warranted to inform prevention and treatment strategies.
Abstract:
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including subtypes Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder most often diagnosed in young adulthood. The incidence and prevalence of pediatric-onset IBD is increasing globally. IBD is likely caused by an interplay of multiple environmental factors resulting in a dysregulated mucosal response to the commensal intestinal microbiota in genetically predisposed individuals. This article provides an overview of pediatric IBD epidemiology and environmental risk factors associated with its development, such as the Hygiene Hypothesis, air pollution, greenspace and blue space, neonatal factors, antibiotics, and diet.
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