Paediatric inflammatory bowel disease- brief update on current practice

Abstract

Abstract Paediatric inflammatory bowel disease (PIBD), consisting of Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and inflammatory bowel disease unclassified, is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with significant morbidity. The incidence of PIBD is increasing and disease phenotype remains more severe than adult onset disease. Diagnosis of PIBD is often slow and requires referral to specialist services; however, the emergence of faecal calprotectin as a tool for prioritizing further investigation, alongside improved use of treatments (including anti-TNF monoclonal antibody therapy) is changing diagnosis and management. Whilst significant challenges remain in the longer-term treatment of PIBD, including growth, nutrition and management of refractory disease there remains a strong research focus on understanding underlying disease pathogenesis and a move towards personalized medicine. This review describes investigations, diagnosis and management of PIBD and presents the most up to date evidence on nutritional and medical management.