Growth failure and inflammatory bowel disease: Approach to treatment of a complicated adolescent problem

• Published in: Pediatrics (Evanston) Vol. 72; no. 4; pp. 481 - 490
• Main Authors: Rosenthal, Susan R, Snyder, John D, Hendricks, Kristy M, Walker, W. Allan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.10.1983
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adrenal Cortex Hormones - therapeutic use; Anthropometry; Child; Colitis, Ulcerative - diagnosis; Crohn Disease - complications; Crohn Disease - surgery; deficiency diseases; development; Diagnosis, Differential; Diet; diet therapy; Energy Intake; Female; Food, Formulated; growth; Growth Disorders - diagnosis; Growth Disorders - etiology; Growth Disorders - therapy; Humans; Malabsorption Syndromes - complications; Male; Nutritional Requirements; Parenteral Nutrition, Total; physical development; Supplements (Nutrient); Time Factors; total parenteral nutrition
• ISSN: 0031-4005; 1098-4275
• DOI: 10.1542/peds.72.4.481

Delay in child growth and development caused by the onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is discussed. Treatment is effective only if begun before closure of the epiphyses. In mild cases, medication and proper nutrition will support growth activity. When growth stops, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), diet supplements, and surgery are the currently available treatments. Discussed are growth failure based on pathogenesis, nutrition, and endocrine imbalances; how to assess growth failure of IBD; and treatment which includes drug therapy, dietary supplementation, TPN, elemental diet therapy, along with recommendations for nutritional therapy; and surgical resection. Effects of ulcerative colitis are also mentioned. Growth failure is difficult to treat; frequent assessments are essential. (kbc)