Inflammatory bowel diseases

Objective: to present a review about inflammatory bowel diseases in childhood so that pediatricians become familiar with two diseases (ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease) that are increasing in incidence. Methods: articles of specific gastroenterological journals were analyzed. Information was also obtained from the author s extensive professional experience in the area. Results: the two diseases are described. Etiopathogenesis is obscure. Clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment are discussed, with details and practical aspects to enable the pediatrician to promptly understand the subject. Conclusions: the inflammatory bowel disease is a condition of high morbidity, and the pediatrician who assists the case must have a very good technical knowledge about the disease, and must be very comprehensive and emotionally serene, in order to afford the young patient a better quality of life throughout the complicated evolution of this disease. J Pediatr (Rio J) 2000; 76 (Supl.2):S173-S180: ulcerative colitis, colitis, ileitis, Crohn’s disease.