[Specific features of childhood-onset inflammatory bowel diseases].

Specific features of childhood-onset inflammatory bowel diseases. The incidence of pediatric-onset inflammatory bowel diseases (PIBD) is increasing in developed countries for several decades. Pediatric-onset of the disease is a factor of severity, due to a higher activity and a longer evolution of the disease. IBD presents as two major forms, Crohn's disease (CD) potentially affecting all parts of the gastrointestinal tract, and ulcerative colitis (UC), which is restricted to the colon and rectum. Exclusive enteral nutrition is the recommended first-choice induction therapy in luminal CD, allowing symptoms remission, mucosal healing and catch-up growth. The use of an immunosuppressive maintenance therapy is frequently required. Biological therapies may be used as first-line therapy in severe cases, or in case of failure of thiopurines. In mild to moderate forms of UC, salicylates retain an important role while the use of thiopurines or biological should be considered in severe forms of disease. The use of surgery is sometimes required, usually earlier in PIBD than in adult IBD patients.