Abstract:
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) represent a heterogeneous group of chronic,
relapsing, immune-mediated inflammatory disorders characterized by persistent
inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. This category includes Crohn’s disease (CD),
ulcerative colitis (UC), and inflammatory bowel disease unclassified (IBD-U), forms
that do not meet the complete criteria for classification into one of the first two clinical
entities [1].
Over the last two decades, inflammatory bowel diseases have become one of the
most important chronic digestive disorders in children and adolescents. Although they
were previously regarded as conditions specific to young adults, current epidemiological
data demonstrate a steady increase in the number of cases diagnosed during childhood,
including in children younger than 10 years and even younger than 6 years [2].
Pediatric-onset disease has distinct features compared with adult-onset disease.
Children frequently develop more extensive and more aggressive forms of disease, with
major effects on linear growth, pubertal development, bone mineralization, and quality
of life. In addition, the longer disease duration exposes these patients to a higher
cumulative risk of complications, surgical interventions, and repeated hospitalizations
[3].
One of the most important clinical challenges remains early diagnosis. Initial
symptoms are often nonspecific and may be mistaken for much more common pediatric
conditions, such as gastroenteritis, functional gastrointestinal disorders, food
intolerances, or irritable bowel syndrome. Consequently, the interval between symptom
onset and diagnosis may range from several months to several years [4].
Numerous studies have shown that diagnostic delay is associated with severe growth
impairment, delayed pubertal development, increased risk of stricturing and fistulizing
complications, need for early surgery, impaired psychological status, and reduced
quality of life [5]. For these reasons, recognition of alarm signs and increased clinical
suspicion among pediatricians, family physicians, and other specialists involved in
childcare are essential objectives of modern medical practice.
