Features specific to children

Symptoms in children are more heterogeneous and may result in delay of diagnosis (1).

Specific features of childhood Crohn's disease include:

• growth failure and weight loss
• pubertal delay

In a large population based survey of childhood inflammatory bowel disease conducted in the UK during 1998-1999

• 25% of the patients presented with the classic triad of Crohn’s symptoms (abdominal pain, diarrhea and weight loss)
• 44% had no diarrhea
• 72% complained of abdominal pain (1)

In addition to these, most of the other features seen in adults may be noted. Often the presentation may be non-specific, with lethargy, anorexia and abdominal discomfort or with isolated growth failure (1).

Exacerbations and remissions are seen during the clinical course of the disease (1).

Reference:

• (1) British Society of Paediatrics Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (BSPGHAN) 2008. Guidelines for the Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) in Children in the United Kingdom