Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges for Pediatric Gastroenterologists

Very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEO-IBD) is called when age of onset of IBD occurs below 6 years. Though it is rare, it has been increasing over last decade with decreasing age of onset. VEO-IBD is different compared with pediatric and adult-onset IBD in many aspects, including the disease type, location of the lesion, disease behavior and genetic susceptibility. These children with VEO-IBD are usually present with more severe disease than older children and adults. VEO-IBD is associated with monogenic defect. The thought of a monogenic cause of VEO-IBD was first confirmed by the detection of mutations of interleukin 10 (IL-10) receptor genes that cause impaired IL-10 signaling. Monogenic IBD possesses significant concern because it usually presents with refractory to conventional IBD treatment or fistulous Crohn's disease, so early treatment with biologics or an alternative approach such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) might be looked-for. Before establishing IBD, we must think of more common diseases of this age group. Infection and Cow's milk protein allergy (CMPA) are two common conditions and it can cause severe colitis. Confirmation of chronic intestinal inflammation by endoscopies is of greatest significance for the diagnosis of IBD. There should be no age limit for performing endoscopies. Severe disease should be treated with biologic agents and surgery. Identification of genes associated with IBD leads to better understanding of its pathogenesis, which could help to provide more targeted interventions. We discuss the topic here to create awareness among Pediatricians so that the patients can be benefited.