Epidemiology of inflammatory bowel diseases in childhood

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is common in most industrialised countries and childhood IBD accounts for nearly 30% of total cases. Various studies, mostly from Europe and USA have reported epidemiological characteristics of childhood IBD. The incidence figures vary greatly from region to region and within a region over time. Almost all reported studies have documented an increase in the incidence, mainly of Crohn’s disease over the last few decades. The reasons for the increase are not clear but epidemiological observations have led to many postulates. Incidence in developing countries is perceived to be low, but limited data suggest that it may not be as uncommon as previously thought. IBD can occur at any age but is rare in infancy. Among childhood IBD, early onset IBD appears to be different epidemiologically and is characterised by predominance of colonic involvement and high positive family history. It has become apparent that only about 25% of childhood Crohns disease presents with classical triad of abdominal pain, diarrhoea and weight loss. Pediatricians should be aware of atypical manifestations and should maintain high index of suspicion. Though epidemiological studies of childhood IBD done so far have contributed towards understanding of IBD, they have differed in study design, population, time period, age group and case definitions. Unfortunately there are no uniform, clear diagnostic criteria which are evidence based. To address this problem, recently the IBD working group of European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) has published “The Porto Criteria” which details a consensus based diagnostic criteria for the diagnosis of childhood IBD. This should bring uniformity in ascertainment of newly diagnosed IBD cases. An European multicentre prospective database has also been established to facilitate future epidemiological studies.     

Hypersplenism in homozygous sickle-cell disease in Saudi Arabia

Black children with homozygous sickle-cell disease usually have anatomic asplenia by 6-8 years of age. In the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, sickle-cell disease runs a benign course. Here we report six sicklers with hypersplenism as manifested by 1: splenomegaly (6/6); 2: persistent thrombocytopenia (6/6); 3: increasing severity of anaemia with the need for repeated blood transfusion (5/6); 4: leukopenia (1/6); 5: high reticulocyte count (6/6); 6: circulating nucleated red blood cells (5/6). All improved after splenectomy, with resolution of the thrombocytopenia and leukopenia, improvement in the degree of anaemia, decrease in the reticulocytes and disappearance of circulating nucleated red blood cells.     

Epidemiology of infantile hydrocephalus in Saudi Arabia: birth prevalence and associated factors

INTRODUCTION: Hydrocephalus is a common central nervous system disorder in children. In spite of its importance, it has not been subjected to sufficient epidemiological studies, particularly in the developing countries. The aim of this study was to provide information from a representative series of newly diagnosed cases of infantile hydrocephalus on the birth prevalence, associated factors and mortality. METHODOLOGY: A prospective study was conducted over a 1-year period from April 1996 to March 1997 in the city of Al-Madinah Al-Munawarah, Saudi Arabia. Except for neural tube defects and brain tumors, all cases of hydrocephalus diagnosed within the first 28 days of life were included. A control group of 104 subjects was studied for comparison. Information about antenatal, natal and early postnatal periods were obtained by interviewing the mothers of the newborns. RESULTS: During the study period, 26 cases of infantile hydrocephalus were detected. The birth prevalence was 1. 6 per 1,000 live births. There was no sex preponderance as the male to female ratio was 1.2:1. Multiple pregnancies were detected in 21 (81%) cases. Nineteen (73%) cases were the product of consanguineous parent and 4 patients had a positive family history of hydrocephalus. The number of preterm infants was 16 (62%). The number of low birth weights (less than 2,500 g) was 18 (69%). An Apgar score of less than 8 occurred in 18 (69%) cases. The mode of delivery was vaginal in 15 (58%) women. The 6 months mortality rate was 23% (6 infants). CONCLUSION: The birth prevalence of infantile hydrocephalus in this study was significantly higher than in the developed countries. A positive family history of hydrocephalus, low birth weight, low Apgar score and abdominal delivery were found to be associated factors. The mortality rate in the first 6 months of life was significantly higher in hydrocephalus infants than in controls.     

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炎症性肠病(Inflammatoryboweldisease,IBD)包括溃疡性结肠炎(UlcerativeColitis,UD)和克罗恩病(Crohn’sdis ease,CD)。CD又称局限性肠炎(regionalenteritis)、节段性肠炎,也有称为肉芽肿性结肠炎(granulomatouscolitis)。19世纪30年代Crohn等人在美国医学会杂志上发表文章首次描述了该病的一些临床特征,到60年代中期Lockhart Mummery等人详细观察了本病的肠道特征,并率先提出与其它疾病肠道病变的鉴别要点,至1973年WHO专门委员会定名为Crohn's病。UD是1875年Wilks和Moxoh首先观察注意到该病的一些基本特征,到1903年Wilks和Boas…     

Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease

Background

The incidence of inflammatory bowel disease is increasing in the pediatric population worldwide.

Need and purpose of review

There is paucity of high quality scientific data regarding pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Most of the guidelines are offshoots of work done in adults, which have been adapted over time to diagnose and treat pediatric patients. This is in part related to the small numbers in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease and less extensive collaboration for multicentric trials both nationally and internationally.

Methods

A literature search was performed using electronic databases i.e. Pubmed and OVID, using keywords: pediatric, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, epidemiology and guidelines. This article amalgamates the broad principles of diagnosing and managing a child with suspected inflammatory bowel disease.

Main conclusions

25% of the patients with inflammatory bowel disease are children and and young adolescents. The primary concern is its impact on growth velocity, puberty and quality of life, including psychosocial issues. Treatment guidelines are being re-defined as the drug armamentarium is increasing. The emphasis will be to achieve mucosal healing and normal growth velocity with minimal drug toxicity.

     

Pathology of inflammatory bowel disease

Inflammatory bowel disease in childhood refers to ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, and colitis of an indeterminate type. Their gross and microscopic features are discussed along with the differential diagnosis from other childhood conditions associated with bloody diarrhea.     

Cystic fibrosis in Saudi Arabia

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is generally believed to be rare or nonexistent in Saudi Arabia. The aim of this report is to document the occurrence of CF in Saudi Arabia. Thirteen Saudi children were diagnosed as having CF, evidenced by typical clinical features and elevated sweat chloride concentrations (>60 mmol/l). Duration of symptoms prior to diagnosis varied from 1 month-5 years (mean 23 months). The main clinical manifestations of the children were abdominal distention, failure to thrive, steatorrhoea, hepatomegaly, rectal prolapse and recurrent respiratory infections, often with Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, eight patients with symptoms and a family history highly suggestive of CF, but without confirmatory sweat test results are presented. We hope that this report will increase the awareness of CF and ensure an earlier diagnosis of the disease in Saudi Arabia.Abbreviation CF cystic fibrosis     

Tropical pyomyositis in Saudi Arabia

Tropical pyomyositis is a disease of skeletal muscle characterised by single or multiple abscesses with Staphylococcus aureus the most commonly isolated organism. Most cases have been reported from the hot and humid tropics. This report reviews the literature, describes a case from hot, dry Saudi Arabia and suggests that such cases may be missed because local clinicians may be unaware of the existence of such a clinical entity.     

Nephrolithiasis in childhood inflammatory bowel disease

Six children with inflammatory bowel disease and nephrolithiasis are reported. Their mean age at the passage of the first stone was 12.5 years and the mean duration of active inflammatory bowel disease was 34.5 months. Four had ulcerative colitis and two had Crohn's disease. In three patients, the onset of stone disease was associated with a flare in the bowel disease. Stone passage in four patients was accompanied by an increase in abdominal pain; three experienced gross hematuria. Stones from four of the patients were composed primarily of calcium phosphate; stones from the remaining patients contained uric acid and/or calcium oxalate. The pathogenesis of nephrolithiasis as it relates to inflammatory bowel disease is considered and an approach to therapy offered.     

Seroepidemiology of Rubella in Saudi Arabia

The seroepidemiology of infection due to rubella virus in Saudi Arabia was investigated in various age groups including unvaccinated children (newborn to 15 years of age) using a newer rubella antibody test system, the ELISA with maximum sensitivity and reliability. The assessment of the immune status indicated the lowest level of naturally acquired rubella IgG antibodies in children aged 13-18 months and thereafter a pattern of progressive age-specific increase in seropositivity. About 90 per cent of the women of childbearing age were seroimmune. The target population for rubella immunization is identified.     

Variability of sickle cell disease in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia

The clinical and hematologic features of sickle cell disease in two groups of patients of different ancestral origin, but living in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, are presented. Twenty-eight patients of southwestern origin were matched for gender, age, and diagnosis with an equal number of patients of eastern origin. The disease was diagnosed in all patients at birth, and follow-up study was done on a regular basis. Despite being born and living in the same environment (Eastern Province), patients of southwestern origin had more severe clinical features, consistently lower hemoglobin levels, and higher reticulocyte counts, suggesting more severe hemolysis. We conclude that there are at least two distinct forms of sickle cell disease in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and that the variability of the disease in early childhood is more likely related to genetic than to environmental factors.