Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 29, 2025
Induction of Ocular Surface Inflammation and Collection of Involved Tissues
Published on: August 4, 2022
Ocular endothelial dysfunction in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease
Giovanni Di Nardo1, Mariachiara Di Pippo2, Letizia Zenzeri1,3
1Department of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Sensory Organs (NESMOS), Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Pediatric Unit, Sapienza University of Rome, Sant'Andrea University Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Insights
Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) revealed distinct ocular microvasculature changes in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). These findings suggest potential systemic endothelial dysfunction in children with IBD.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic condition affecting the gastrointestinal tract.
- Ocular manifestations can occur in IBD, but microvasculature changes are not well-characterized in pediatric populations.
- Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) offers a non-invasive method to assess ocular microvasculature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate ocular microvasculature alterations in pediatric patients diagnosed with IBD.
- To compare these changes with those in a control group of healthy children.
- To explore the potential link between ocular microvascular changes and systemic endothelial function in pediatric IBD.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of pediatric patients (6-18 years) with IBD and age-matched controls were recruited.
- Clinical data, disease activity indices, and laboratory markers were collected for all participants.
- Optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) was performed to analyze ocular microvasculature, specifically choroidal areas.
Main Results:
- Sixty-three children (38 IBD, 25 controls) were included in the study.
- Significant differences in choroidal luminal area and total choroidal area were observed between the IBD and control groups.
- Most IBD patients presented with mild-to-moderate disease activity or were in remission at the time of assessment.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric patients with IBD exhibit distinct ocular microvasculature changes detectable by OCTA.
- These findings suggest potential systemic endothelial dysfunction associated with IBD in children.
- OCTA is a valuable tool for assessing microvascular alterations and potential systemic complications in pediatric IBD.
Objectives:
To assess ocular microvasculature changes using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Methods:
Patients (aged 6-18 years) with IBD were recruited between September 2021 and May 2023. All eligible participants underwent comprehensive clinical assessment and laboratory investigation. Patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders served as the controls. This study assessed specific IBD phenotypes, disease duration, clinical and endoscopic activity indices, laboratory markers, and medication histories. OCTA was utilized to evaluate ocular microvasculature changes in both groups.
Results:
A total of 63 children (mean age 12.9 ± 3.3 years) were enrolled, comprising 38 in the IBD group (16 ulcerative colitis, 22 Crohn's disease, and 25 in the control group). Most patients in the IBD group were in remission or had mild-to-moderate disease activity at enrollment. Analysis of the OCTA results revealed significant differences in the choroidal luminal area and total choroidal area between the IBD and control groups.
Conclusions:
The study identified distinct ocular microvasculature changes in pediatric IBD patients through OCTA, suggestive of potential systemic endothelial dysfunction. These findings underscore the utility of OCTA in evaluating microvascular alterations associated with pediatric IBD, offering insights into potential systemic complications linked to inflammation in IBD patients.
