Health Care Maintenance for the Pediatric Patient With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Perspectives on Contraception, Pregnancy, and Reproductive Health Counseling from Young Women With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background/Aims

Active inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases the risk of pregnancy complications and contraceptive side effects, and contraceptive use may impact the clinical course of IBD. Although young people are at elevated risk for unintended pregnancy, those with IBD receive minimal disease-specific contraceptive guidance. We characterized perspectives and preferences on contraception and reproductive health counseling from young cis-women with IBD.

Methods

We conducted 60-min semi-structured interviews with cis-women with IBD ages 18-30 (recruited nationwide and from North Carolina IBD clinics; February-June 2023). Interview guides included questions about reproductive health and preferences for receiving reproductive health information. Audio-recordings were professionally transcribed and coded using an inductive, thematic approach and Dedoose software.

Results

Participants included 30 cis-women with IBD (ages 18-30, 77% White, 7% Hispanic, and 55% Crohn's disease). Some participants shared that IBD increased their menstrual symptom burden, prompting contraceptive use to control menses. Participants discussed the impact of IBD on their contraceptive decision-making, including concerns regarding blood clots. For a participant subset, IBD did not impact contraceptive decision-making. Participants discussed how IBD impacted their perspectives on childbearing, including concerns about IBD heritability, infertility, and peripartum IBD flares. Participants wanted their gastroenterology provider to proactively address reproductive health, provide appropriate resources, and coordinate care with reproductive health providers.

Conclusions

Young cis-women with IBD may have IBD-specific concerns about contraceptives, pregnancy, and menstrual symptoms and desire better IBD-related reproductive health counseling. Inflammatory bowel disease providers can improve reproductive health counseling by proactively addressing IBD-specific reproductive health questions, providing reproductive health resources, and coordinating care.

Bone health screening practices with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and prediction of abnormal results in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVES

Pediatric patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are at risk of suboptimal peak bone mass attainment. This study aimed to understand rates of bone health screening adherence, describe factors associated with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) acquisition, and identify factors associated with abnormal DXA.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of pediatric IBD patients over a 10-year time frame. We included IBD patients (2-20 years of age) enrolled in ImproveCareNow and excluded patients with primary metabolic bone disease. Time-to-event methods and multivariable logistic regression were employed to identify factors associated with DXA acquisition and abnormal DXA.

RESULTS

In 676 patients, 464 (68.63%) pediatric patients with IBD had a risk factor for low bone mineral density (BMD); 137 (29.53%) underwent an initial DXA scan. Quiescent disease was significantly associated with a reduced likelihood of DXA (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24-0.97), while weight z-score <-2 was significantly associated with DXA performance (HR: 2.07; 95% CI: 1.08-3.98). Abnormal DXA results (BMD z-score ≤-1) occurred in 59 (35.54%) individuals. After adjusting for visit diagnosis, delayed puberty, severe disease course, 6 months or greater of steroid exposure, and history of fracture, BMI z-score <-1 (odds ratio: 5.45; 95% CI: 2.41-12.33) was associated with abnormal DXA.

CONCLUSIONS

DXA screening occurred in less than one-third of eligible pediatric IBD patients. Compliance was more common in patients with a weight z-score <-2 and less common in those with quiescent disease. BMI strongly predicted abnormal DXA results when adjusting for risk factors for abnormal BMD.

Risk Factors of Low Bone Mineral Density in Newly Diagnosed Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract with an increasing worldwide incidence. IBD is frequently diagnosed during childhood in the adolescent period of ongoing growth and development, and it can affect patients' linear growth, puberty, nutrition, and bone health. Therefore, its treatment and monitoring are critical to prevent secondary outcomes. However, few studies have highlighted the association between pediatric IBD and skeletal outcomes in Asian populations. We aimed to identify the prevalence and risk factors for low bone mineral density (BMD) in Korean children and adolescents with newly diagnosed IBD. Patients aged 10-18 years diagnosed with either Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) who underwent lumbar spine bone mineral density (LSBMD) and femoral bone mineral density (FBMD) analyses via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the time of IBD diagnosis were included. Low BMD was considered when the age- and sex-matched BMD Z-score was <-1.0. The LSBMD and FBMD Z-scores were correlated with clinical parameters, including general characteristics, anthropometry, and IBD-associated laboratory markers. Regression analyses were performed to identify the risk factors for low BMD. Although the general characteristics between CD (n = 42) and UC (n = 9) groups did not differ, the mean Z-scores of LSBMD and FBMD of the 51 subjects were -0.11 ± 1.24 and -0.58 ± 1.38, respectively. Furthermore, 7.8% and 18% of the study subjects had LSBMD and FBMD Z-scores < -2.0, whereas more than 50% had scores of 0--1.0. Among the clinical factors, body mass index (BMI) Z-score, duration of clinical manifestations, and serum alanine aminotransferase and selenium levels were associated with LSBMD Z-scores in the final multivariate regression analyses. Odds ratios of BMI < -2.0 standard deviation for low LSBMD and FBMD Z-scores were 31.97 and 41.45, respectively. A BMI Z-score < -0.93 was determined as the best cut-off for predicting low BMD. In newly diagnosed pediatric IBD, a substantial number of children are likely to have low BMD in prior to initial treatment while lower BMI, longer duration of clinical manifestation, and higher selenium concentration could affect initial BMD status. Routine bone health surveillance from initial IBD diagnosis throughout the treatment's completion is recommended for preventing the early development of secondary osteoporosis.

Health Care Maintenance in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Patients with pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (pIBD) are at an increased risk for complications and comorbidities including infection, nutritional deficiencies, growth delay, bone disease, eye disease, malignancy, and psychologic disorders. Preventative health maintenance and monitoring is an important part to caring for patients with pIBD. Although practice is variable and published study within pIBD is limited, this article summarizes the important field of health-care maintenance in pIBD. A multidisciplinary approach, including the gastroenterologist provider, primary care provider, social worker, psychologist, as well as other subspecialists is necessary.

Bone health in inflammatory bowel disease

INTRODUCTION

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic disease characterized by the presence of systemic inflammation, manifesting not only as gastrointestinal symptoms but also as extraintestinal bone complications, including osteopenia and osteoporosis. However, the association between IBD and osteoporosis is complex, and the presence of multifactorial participants in the development of osteoporosis is increasingly recognized. Unlike in adults, delayed puberty and growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor-1 axis abnormalities are essential risk factors for osteoporosis in pediatric patients with IBD.

AREAS COVERED

This article reviews the potential pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to osteoporosis in adult and pediatric patients with IBD and provides evidence for effective prevention and treatment, focusing on pediatric patients with IBD. A search was performed from PubMed and Web of Science inception to February 2023 to identify articles on IBD, osteoporosis, pediatric, and fracture risk.

EXPERT OPINION

A comprehensive treatment pattern based on individualized principles can be used to manage pediatric IBD-related osteoporosis.

Uveitis in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

There are currently no official uveitis screening guidelines for children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this retrospective cohort study of children with IBD with at least 1 ophthalmologist examination over 12 years, we investigated the prevalence and characteristics of uveitis in pediatric IBD. Outcomes included prevalence of uveitis, age at onset, and clinical characteristics of uveitis. A total of 315 children with IBD (mean age, 11.7 ± 4.3) had 974 eye examinations. Five children (1.6%; 95% CI, 0.7%-3.7%) had uveitis, with mean age at onset of 14.3 ± 5.6 years. Three of 209 children with Crohn's disease (1.4%; 95% CI, 0.5%-4.1%), 2 of 55 with IBD-unclassified (3.6%; 95% CI, 1.0%-12.3%) and 0 of 51 with ulcerative colitis (95% CI, 0.0%-7.0%) had uveitis. All uveitis was symptomatic. In our study cohort, uveitis was rare and symptomatic in pediatric IBD.

Vertebral Compression Fractures in Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease

To describe clinical characteristics and outcomes of 3 patients with very early onset inflammatory bowel disease (VEOIBD) and vertebral compression fractures.

Methods

Patients with VEOIBD receiving care at a single tertiary center were prospectively enrolled in a longitudinal data repository. Retrospective chart review was performed to identify clinical characteristics and comorbidities. Those with clinically apparent vertebral compression fractures subsequently underwent an additional chart review focused on bone health.

Results

Three out of 216 (1.4%) patients with VEOIBD had symptomatic vertebral compression fractures. Of the 3 patients with vertebral compression fractures, all had Crohn's disease, 2 had monogenic inflammatory bowel disease, and all reported back pain. One patient notably had a normal dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, highlighting a potential limitation of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to identify increased skeletal fragility in this population. Risk factors for suboptimal bone health included chronic inflammation secondary to poorly controlled inflammatory bowel disease, substantial glucocorticoid exposure, chronic use of other medications associated with suboptimal bone health including proton pump inhibitors and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, and solid organ transplant. Patients treated with bisphosphonates had improved clinical outcomes, with resolution of back pain and increased bone mineral density.

Conclusions

Vertebral compression fracture should be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients with VEOIBD and back pain, especially in those with other risk factors for suboptimal bone health. Treatment of compression fractures with bisphosphonates resulted in resolution of back pain and improved bone density.

Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic, immune-mediated disorders that include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. A pediatric onset of disease occurs in about 10% of all cases. Clinical presentation of IBD with rectal bleeding or perianal disease warrants direct referral for endoscopic evaluation. In the absence of red-flag symptoms, a combination of patient history and blood and fecal biomarkers can help to distinguish suspected IBD from other causes of abdominal pain or diarrhea. The therapeutic management of pediatric IBD has evolved by taking into account predictors of poor outcome, which justifies the upfront use of anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy for patients at high risk for complicated disease. In treating patients with IBD, biochemical or endoscopic remission, rather than clinical remission, is the therapeutic goal because intestinal inflammation often persists despite resolution of abdominal symptoms. Pediatric IBD comes with unique additional challenges, such as growth impairment, pubertal delay, the psychology of adolescence, and development of body image. Even after remission has been achieved, many patients with IBD continue to experience nonspecific symptoms like abdominal pain and fatigue. Transfer to adult care is a well-recognized risk for disease relapse, which highlights patient vulnerability and the need for a transition program that is continued by the adult-oriented IBD team. The general pediatrician is an invaluable link in integrating these challenges in the clinical care of patients with IBD and optimizing their outcomes. This state-of-the-art review aims to provide general pediatricians with an update on pediatric IBD to facilitate interactions with pediatric gastrointestinal specialists.

The Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Medical Home: A Proposed Model

Care for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can be complex and costly. Care delivery models to address these challenges and improve care quality are essential. The patient-centered medical home (PCMH), which was developed in the primary care setting, has recently been applied successfully to the adult IBD population. Following the tenets of the PCMH, this specialty medical home (SMH) emphasizes team-based care that is accessible, comprehensive, patient/family-centered, coordinated, compassionate, and continuous and has demonstrated improved patient outcomes. Children and young adults with IBD have equally complex care needs, with additional challenges not faced by the adult population such as growth, physical and psychosocial development, and transition of care from pediatric to adult providers. Thus, we advocate that the components of the PCMH are equally-if not more-important in caring for the pediatric patient population. In this article, we review what is known about the application of the PCMH model in adult IBD care, describe care delivery within the Center for Pediatric and Adolescent IBD at Nationwide Children's Hospital as an example of a pediatric IBD medical home, and propose a research agenda to further the development and dissemination of comprehensive care delivery for children and adolescents with IBD.

Primary Care Professionals' Attitudes Towards Vaccination Recommendation for Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Immunization among patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is suboptimal. We sought to characterize attitudes of US primary care professionals (PCPs) towards immunization practices for patients with IBD.

METHODS

Using a web-based opt-in panel of PCPs (DocStyles survey, spring 2021, cross-sectional study), we assessed likelihood of PCPs' recommending influenza, pneumococcal disease, herpes zoster, and human papilloma virus vaccinations for IBD patients by PCP characteristics and availability of clinical tools. Reasons for unlikelihood of recommending vaccines and approaches to improve vaccine recommendation were examined.

RESULTS

Among 1503 PCPs, 64% recommended all vaccines. Herpes zoster vaccine was most likely to be recommended (89.8%) and pneumococcal vaccine was least likely (74.0%). Clinical tools including decision support based on electronic health records (EHRs; 48.9%) and staff tracking of patients' vaccine needs (36.3%) were significantly associated with likelihood of recommending vaccines (P < .001). A greater likelihood of vaccine recommendation was observed for pediatricians vs other medical specialties, group outpatient clinic vs other worksites, and seeing >50 patients/week (P < .05). One-third of PCPs were unlikely to recommend ≥1 vaccine, and the top reason reported was unfamiliarity with vaccine guidelines for patients with IBD (48.0%). A review of guidelines or continued medical education (63.0%) and decision support from EHRs (51.2%) were the most frequently selected approaches identified to improve certainty of vaccine recommendation.

CONCLUSIONS

There is room for improvement of vaccination recommendations by PCPs. Promoting continuing education and use of clinical tools may help support PCP immunization practices for patients with IBD.

Multidisciplinary Approach to the Care of Children With Acute Recurrent Pancreatitis and Chronic Pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article is to provide guidance to centers and organizations on the personnel (both physician and nonphysician) needed to create and sustain an optimal team, along with potential alternatives, to provide care to children with acute recurrent pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis.

METHODS

This document was developed in collaboration with the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) Pancreas Committee and the National Pancreas Foundation (NPF) after several meetings.

RESULTS

This document highlights both physician and nonphysician personnel needed to provide multidisciplinary care to children with pancreatitis per the recommendation of the NASPGHAN Pancreas Committee members in year 2021 and added to the currently published NPF criteria. We summarize how the NPF criteria would fit with the recently published pediatric pancreatitis society articles from the NASPGHAN.

CONCLUSIONS

It is important to manage children with acute recurrent pancreatitis and chronic pancreatitis in a multidisciplinary setting. There is need to study the impact of these personnel on the outcomes of children with pancreatitis.

Bone Health in Pediatric Patients with IBD: What Is New?

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have increased bone fragility, demonstrated by increased fracture risk, and often have low bone density and altered bone geometry, but the underlying pathophysiology remains poorly understood.

RECENT FINDINGS

Children and adolescents with IBD appear to have decreased bone formation, at diagnosis, which frequently improves with treatment of their underlying IBD. There is a growing body of evidence regarding how the immune system interacts with bone metabolism. There are likely multi-factorial etiologies that contribute to suboptimal bone accrual and subsequent lack of peak bone mass attainment in growing patients with IBD. There appears to be differential effects dependent upon IBD sub-type and bone compartment. Pediatric patients with IBD require recognition of several risk factors that may adversely impact their bone accrual. Future studies are necessary to further delineate the effects of IBD on pediatric bone health.

Adolescents With Inflammatory Bowel Disease Have Decreased Rates of Health Maintenance Visits

INTRODUCTION

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) commonly presents during adolescence and may affect health care utilization. This study aimed to assess rates of health maintenance examinations (HMEs) in adolescents with IBD with their primary care physicians (PCPs).

METHODS

This is a single center, case-control study of adolescents with IBD who received their IBD care and primary care within the same healthcare system. Adolescents diagnosed with IBD between 13 and 17 years of age were matched 1:1 by age, gender, race/ethnicity, and insurance status to healthy controls. Patient demographics, IBD characteristics, and health outcomes were extracted from the medical record. HME rate was defined as having one HME with a PCP during a 12-month period.

RESULTS

This study included 150 IBD-control matched pairs. HME rates were similar at baseline between cases and controls (83% vs 85%, P = 0.53) but approached significance in year 1 post-diagnosis (77% vs 85%, P = 0.056). In year 2 post-diagnosis, IBD patients had less frequent HME (62% vs 74%, P = 0.0486). Disease severity did not affect HME rates. IBD patients from under-represented minority groups had lower rates than matched controls (46.2% vs 91.7%, P = 0.03). Meningococcal and human papilloma vaccination rates were lower in cases versus controls (79% vs 94%, P = 0.0005 and 60% vs 84%, P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Adolescents with IBD have less frequent HME and lower rates of certain vaccinations than their peers. Those from underrepresented minority groups are at particular risk. Given the important issues addressed at HMEs, gastroenterologists should recommend that adolescents with IBD have ongoing PCP engagement to optimize health outcomes.

The Effect of Nutritional Therapy on Bone Mineral Density and Bone Metabolism in Pediatric Crohn Disease

OBJECTIVES

Both the inflammatory burden of Crohn disease (CD) and corticosteroids have a negative effect on bone density. Exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) avoids corticosteroids and promotes endoscopic healing. We aimed to explore the effect of nutritional therapy on bone health in pediatric CD.

METHODS

This was a planned sub-study of a clinical trial enrolling children with new-onset mild-moderate CD. Children were randomized to either 6 weeks EEN followed by 6 weeks 25% partial enteral nutrition (PEN) or 6 weeks of 50% PEN with a CD exclusion diet followed by 6 weeks of 25% PEN with exclusion diet. Bone formation and resorption were measured at baseline, week 12 and week 24 by serum C-Propeptide of Type I Procollagen (CICP) and type I Collagen N-Telopeptide (NTX), respectively. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan at baseline and week 24.

RESULTS

Median CICP improved from 130 ng/mL (106-189) at baseline to 223 (143-258) at week 12 and 193 (143-252) at week 24 (P = 0.016 for both, n = 29 children). Median NTX remained unchanged (P = 0.45 and P = 0.45). Thirty-six children had DXA scans performed at diagnosis; 81% and 33% had z scores of <-1 and <-2, respectively. DXA z scores did not improve from baseline (adjusted total body less head [TBLH] BMD -1.62 ± 0.87) to week 24 (-1.76 ± 0.75; P = 0.30, n = 21 with both scans).

CONCLUSIONS

Low bone density is common in new-onset mild-moderate pediatric CD. CICP, a sensitive marker of bone formation, improved following dietary intervention but this was not associated with improved BMD.

Applying Telemedicine to Multidisciplinary Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Care

Multidisciplinary care is essential to the delivery of comprehensive, whole-person care for children and adolescents with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Team members may include medical, psychosocial, and ancillary providers as well as patient and family advocates. There is significant variability in how this care is delivered from center to center, though prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, most care occurred during in-person visits. At the onset of the pandemic, medical systems world-wide were challenged to continue delivering high quality, comprehensive care, requiring many centers to turn to telemedicine technology. The aim of this manuscript is to describe the process by which we converted our multidisciplinary pediatric and adolescent IBD visits to a telemedicine model by leveraging technology, a multidisciplinary team, and quality improvement (QI) methods. Finally, we put our experience into context by summarizing the literature on telemedicine in IBD care, with a focus on pediatrics and multidisciplinary care.

A Multiple Case Study of Coordinated Care for Children with IBD through Caregiver Interviews

Introduction

Effective care coordination is critical to manage unpredictable complications of conditions such as pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that have a relapsing and remitting course. Our objective was to explore perspectives of care coordination following emergency department (ED) visits by children with IBD, because these may indicate deficient care coordination.

Methods

Using a multiple case study approach, we sought perspectives through semi-structured interviews of caregivers (parents, primary care providers, and gastroenterologists) for children with IBD who had a recent ED visit in either of two large pediatric referral centers in the southeastern US. We used criterion sampling to identify eligible participants through a medical record report of ED visits, and iterative sampling concurrent with analysis until no new themes were identified. Interviews were transcribed verbatim, and transcripts were coded using directed content analysis to identify emergent themes.

Results

From twenty-six interviews, three major themes emerged: perceptions of appropriate expertise, desire for integration of information and services, and making assumptions instead of engaging. Participants describe distinct roles for primary care and gastroenterology providers and recognize communication and information barriers to better coordination. Some parents and gastroenterologists perceive challenges to engaging primary care providers. Common recommendations include explicit guidance from gastroenterologists to primary care providers and methods for direct communication.

Discussion

Stakeholders describe common barriers and facilitators for effective care coordination, but some express beliefs about provider roles that could hinder improvement efforts. Tools to support asynchronous communication and shared planning may improve coordination and care quality for complications of IBD.

Gaps Exist in the Comprehensive Care of Children with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

OBJECTIVES

To describe patterns of primary and specialty care delivery in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), delineate which members of the healthcare team provided services, and identify gaps in care.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional survey of parents of children (2-17 years) with IBD and adolescents with IBD (13-17 years) at a free-standing, quaternary children's hospital regarding healthcare receipt.

RESULTS

There were 161 parents and 84 adolescents who responded to the survey (75% and 60% response, respectively). The mean patient age was 14 ± 3 years, 51% were male, 80% had Crohn's disease, 16% ulcerative colitis, and 4% IBD-unspecified. Most parents were white (94%), living in a suburban setting (57%). Sixty-nine percent of households had ≥1 parent with a bachelor's degree or higher. Most had private insurance (43%) or private primary with public secondary insurance (34%). Most patients received annual check-ups (70%), vaccinations (78%), and care for minor illnesses (74%) from their primary care provider. Check-ups for gastrointestinal symptoms, IBD monitoring, and changes in type/dosing of IBD treatment were provided by their gastroenterology provider (77%, 93%, and 86% of patients, respectively). Discussions about family/peer relationships, school/extracurricular activities, and mood were not addressed in 30%-40% of participants. Adolescents frequently reported that no one had talked to them about substance use (40%), sexual health (50%), or body image (60%); 75% of adolescents and 76% of their parents reported that no one had discussed transitioning to an adult provider.

CONCLUSIONS

There were gaps in the psychosocial care of pediatric patients with IBD. Coordinated, comprehensive care delivery models are needed.

Caregiver and Adolescent Patient Perspectives on Comprehensive Care for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: Building a Family-Centered Care Delivery Model

BACKGROUND

Children with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) require primary and gastrointestinal (GI) care, but little is known about patient and family preferences for care receipt. We aimed to understand caregiver perceptions of current healthcare quality, describe barriers to receiving healthcare, and elicit caregiver and adolescent preferences for how comprehensive care ideally would be delivered.

METHODS

This was an anonymous survey of caregivers of 2- to 17-year olds with IBD and adolescents with IBD aged 13-17 years at a large, free-standing children's hospital. Surveys assessed patient medical history, family demographics, perceptions of health care quality and delivery, barriers to primary and GI care, and preferences for optimal care delivery.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventeen caregivers and 140 adolescents were recruited, 214 caregivers and 133 adolescents consented/assented, and 160 caregivers and 84 adolescents completed the survey (75% and 60% response rate, respectively). Mean patient age was 14 years (SD = 3); 51% male; 79% Crohn's disease, 16% ulcerative colitis, and 4% indeterminate colitis. Caregivers were primarily female (86%), Caucasian (94%), and living in a 2-caregiver household (79%). Most caregivers reported that their child's primary care physician (PCP) and GI doctor oversaw their primary care (71%) and their IBD care (94%), respectively. Caregivers were satisfied with communication with their PCP and GI providers (>90%) but did not know how well they communicated with one another (54%). Barriers to primary and GI care varied, and few caregivers (6%) reported unmet healthcare needs. Caregivers and adolescents saw PCPs and GI doctors having important roles in comprehensive care, though specific preferences for care delivery differed.

CONCLUSION

Caregivers and adolescent perspectives are essential to developing family-centered care models for children with IBD.

Patterns of Primary, Specialty, Urgent Care, and Emergency Department Care in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

OBJECTIVES

Pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) require treatment, monitoring, and health maintenance services. We described patterns of primary, specialty, emergency department (ED) and urgent care delivery, and explored patient- and system-related variables that impact ED/urgent care utilization.

METHODS

We conducted a cross sectional survey of parents of children with IBD at a large tertiary children's hospital.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-one parents completed the survey (75% response). Mean patient age 13.9 years (51% boys); 80% Crohn disease, 16% ulcerative colitis, 4% IBD-unspecified. Mean disease duration 4 years (standard deviation [SD] 2.7). Thirty percent had at least 1 other chronic disease, 31% had a history of IBD-related surgery. Parents were predominantly Caucasian (94%), well-educated (61% bachelor's degree/higher), part of a 2-parent household (79%) living in a suburban setting (57%). Seventy-seven percent of patients had private insurance. In the past year, most children had 1 to 2 IBD-related office visits (54%) with their gastroenterology (GI) doctor and no IBD-related hospitalizations (79%). Eighty-eight percent (N = 141) had a primary care provider (PCP), and most (70%) saw their PCP 1 to 2 times. Even so, 86% (N = 139) received medical care from places other than their PCP or GI doctor; 27% in the ED and 45% at urgent care. Children of parents with less than a bachelor's degree, families that lived further from their GI doctor, and children who saw their PCP more often were more likely to utilize ED/urgent care.

CONCLUSIONS

ED/urgent care utilization in pediatric patients with IBD was greater than expected, potentially contributing to fragmented, costly care and worse outcomes.

The Management Approach to the Adolescent IBD Patient: Health Maintenance and Medication Considerations

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often diagnosed during adolescence and can have a deep impact on the physical, hormonal, developmental, and psychosocial changes associated with this life period. The purpose of this review is to address the particular manifestations of IBD (such as growth and pubertal delay), health maintenance issues, and treatment considerations in the adolescent.

RECENT FINDINGS

The need for a multidisciplinary approach to recognize and address growth and pubertal delay, bone health, as well as the psychosocial impact of IBD on the adolescent has been increasingly recognized as an integral part of IBD care in this population. Vaccinations schedule, preventive health measures, and promoting compliance with care are particularly important during adolescence. Replacing nutrients deficits is also crucial: in particular, vitamin D has been shown to play a role in the gut immune system, and adequate vitamin D levels might promote IBD remission. Iron replacement should be done by intravenous route since oral iron is poorly absorbed in chronic inflammatory states. Finally, recent data have shed light on the increased risk of particular types of lymphoma in adolescent on thiopurines, whereas biologic therapies, in particular, anti-TNF, now are positioned as a preferred and effective steroid-sparing agents in moderate to severe IBD. Management of adolescents with IBD is not without significant challenges. An early implementation of steroid-sparing therapies, a multidisciplinary treatment approach, and a dynamic physician-patient relationship are essential to achieve remission, prevent disease-related complications but also optimize developmental, physical, and psychosocial health, and encourage compliance and transition to adult care.

Linear growth and bone metabolism in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease

OBJECTIVE

To review the pathophysiology and evaluation methods of linear growth and bone mineral density in children and adolescents diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease.

SOURCE OF DATA

Narrative review carried out in the PubMed and Scopus databases through an active search of the terms: inflammatory bowel disease, growth, failure to thrive, bone health, bone mineral density, and children and adolescents, related to the last ten years, searching in the title, abstract, or keyword fields.

SYNTHESIS OF FINDINGS

Inflammatory bowel diseases of childhood onset may present as part of the clinical picture of delayed linear growth in addition to low bone mineral density. The presence of a chronic inflammatory process with elevated serum levels of inflammatory cytokines negatively interferes with the growth rate and bone metabolism regulation, in addition to increasing energy expenditure, compromising nutrient absorption, and favoring intestinal protein losses. Another important factor is the chronic use of glucocorticoids, which decreases the secretion of growth hormone and the gonadotrophin pulses, causing pubertal and growth spurt delay. In addition to these effects, they inhibit the replication of osteoblastic lineage cells and stimulate osteoclastogenesis.

CONCLUSION

Insufficient growth and low bone mineral density in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease are complex problems that result from multiple factors including chronic inflammation, malnutrition, decreased physical activity, late puberty, genetic susceptibility, and immunosuppressive therapies, such as glucocorticoids.

Ocular Manifestations of Paediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Ocular extraintestinal manifestations [O-EIMs] are known complications of Crohn's disease [CD], ulcerative colitis [UC], and inflammatory bowel disease unclassified [IBD-U]. However, data on their prevalence in children are scarce and there are no clear recommendations on what follow-up should be offered. We aimed to review available data on O-EIMs in children.

METHODS

In January 2018, we performed a systematic review of published English literature using PubMed and EMBASE databases and disease-specific queries.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies [7467 patients] reported data on O-EIMs prevalence in children. Overall prevalence of O-EIMs was 0.62-1.82%. Uveitis was the most common O-EIM. Meta-analysis showed that children with CD are at increased risk of O-EIMs as compared with children with UC and IBD-U (odds ratio [OR] 2.70, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51-4.83). Five studies [357 patients] reported data on ophthalmological screening in asymptomatic children: mild asymptomatic uveitis was identified in a variable proportion of patients [1.06-23.1%], more frequently in male patients with CD and colonic involvement. No evidence of ocular complications from untreated uveitis was detected. A total of 23 case reports [24 patients] were identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Data on O-EIMs in children are scarce. Prevalence of O-EIMs is lower than in adults but may be underestimated because of the possibility of asymptomatic uveitis; however, the long-term significance of this condition is unknown. Children with CD may be at increased risk of O-EIMs. No recommendations on routine ophthalmological examination can be made, but a low threshold for ophthalmological referral should be maintained. Larger studies in paediatric IBD populations are needed.

Ocular Involvement in Children with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

BACKGROUND

Data on ocular manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in children are limited. Some authors have reported a high prevalence of asymptomatic uveitis, yet the significance of these observations is unknown and there are no recommendations on which ophthalmologic follow-up should be offered.

METHODS

Children with IBD seen at a single referral center for pediatric gastroenterology were offered ophthalmologic evaluation as part of routine care for their disease. Ophthalmologic evaluation included review of ocular history as well as slit-lamp and fundoscopic examination. Medical records were also reviewed for previous ophthalmologic diagnoses or complaints.

RESULTS

Data from 94 children were included (52 boys; median age 13.4 yr). Forty-six patients had a diagnosis of Crohn's disease, 46 ulcerative colitis, and 2 IBD unclassified. Intestinal disease was in clinical remission in 70% of the patients; fecal calprotectin was elevated in 64%. One patient with Crohn's disease had a previous diagnosis of clinically manifest uveitis (overall uveitis prevalence: 1.06%; incidence rate: 0.3 per 100 patient-years). This patient was also the only one who was found to have asymptomatic uveitis at slit-lamp examination. A second patient had posterior subcapsular cataract associated with corticosteroid treatment. No signs of intraocular complications from previous unrecognized uveitis were observed in any patient.

CONCLUSIONS

Children with IBD may have asymptomatic uveitis, yet its prevalence seems lower than previously reported, and it was not found in children without a previous diagnosis of clinically manifest uveitis. No ocular complications from prior unrecognized uveitis were observed.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Childhood and Adolescence

BACKGROUND

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in childhood and adolescence is 5-11 cases per 100 000 persons per year, corresponding to a new diagnosis of IBD in 800-1470 patients in Germany each year.

METHODS

This review is based on pertinent publications retrieved by a selective search in PubMed, including guidelines from Germany and abroad.

RESULTS

Children and adolescents with IBD often have extensive involvement and an aggressive course of disease. Nonetheless, infliximab and adalimumab are the only biological agents that have been approved for this group of patients. In Crohn's disease, exclusive enteral nutrition is the treatment of first choice for inducing a remission. Patients with (peri-)anal fistulae are treated primarily with infliximab. Corticosteroids and aminosalicylates should be used with caution. In contrast, children and adolescents with ulcerative colitis are treated with either aminosalicylates or prednisolone to induce a remission. As a rule, maintenance pharmacotherapy with thiopurines in Crohn's disease and severe ulcerative colitis, or with aminosalicylates in mild to moderate ulcerative colitis, is indicated for several years, at least until the end of puberty. Patients with refractory disease courses are treated with methylprednisolone, anti-TNF-α-antibodies, and/or calcineurin inhibitors. The spectrum of surgical interventions is the same as for adults. Specific aspects of the treatment of children and adolescents with IBD include adverse drug effects, the areas of nutrition, growth, and development, and the structured transition to adult medicine.

CONCLUSION

Children and adolescents with IBD or suspected IBD should be cared for by pediatric gastroenterologists in a center where such care is provided. Individualized treatment with multidisciplinary, family-oriented longterm care is particularly important. Drug trials in children and adolescents are needed so that the off-label use of drugs to patients in this age group can be reduced.

Managing the pediatric patient with celiac disease: a multidisciplinary approach

Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune reaction to gluten, leading to intestinal inflammation, villous atrophy, and malabsorption. It is the most common autoimmune gastrointestinal disorder, with an increasing prevalence. A life-long gluten-free diet (GFD) is an effective treatment to alleviate symptoms, normalize autoantibodies, and heal the intestinal mucosa in patients with CD. Poorly controlled CD poses a significant concern for ongoing malabsorption, growth restriction, and the long-term concern of intestinal lymphoma. Achieving GFD compliance and long-term disease control poses a challenge, with adolescents at particular risk for high rates of noncompliance. Attention has turned toward innovative management strategies to improve adherence and achieve better disease control. One such strategy is the development of multidisciplinary clinic approach, and CD is a complex life-long disease state that would benefit from a multifaceted team approach as recognized by multiple national and international bodies, including the National Institutes of Health. Utilizing the combined efforts of the pediatric gastroenterologist, registered dietitian, registered nurse, and primary care provider (general practitioner or general pediatrician) in a CD multidisciplinary clinic model will be of benefit for patients and families in optimizing diagnosis, provision of GFD teaching, and long-term adherence to a GFD. This paper discusses the benefits and proposed structure for multidisciplinary care in improving management of CD.