Growth failure as a symptom of inflammatory bowel disease

BACKGROUND: Growth failure can be a unique manifestation of untreated intestinal inflammation in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It can, however, be difficult to diagnose IBD in the absence of symptoms or in the presence of aspecific gastrointestinal symptoms. A delay in diagnosis is a risk factor for lower adult height. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 15--year-old boy was referred to a paediatric endocrinologist for growth failure and delayed puberty. Additional investigations were performed and he was diagnosed with Crohn's disease. CONCLUSION: IBD needs to be considered in a child presenting with growth failure and delayed puberty. A detailed medical history of any gastrointestinal symptoms should be taken. One should perform additional investigations according to the guidelines in a patient who fulfils criteria of short stature.