[Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases in childhood. Case contribution and critical considerations].

The term "inflammatory bowel disease" describes 2 major categories of chronic disease: Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Non specific chronic colitis and allergic colitis in childhood can usually be distinguished by clinical and histopathologic criteria. This study regards a retrospective analysis of 23 patients suffering from chronic inflammatory bowel disease. Clinical manifestations began between 4 and 18 years of age. The Authors report remarkable frequency in pediatric age and common diagnostic delay, especially in Crohn's disease. The possibility of extraintestinal symptoms (erythema nodosum, arthritis, iridocyclitis) is also showed. Moreover they analyse present diagnostic proceedings: in childhood the employ of 99 mTc-HmPAO-labelled granulocytes is a new and non invasive test useful in the follow-up of the patients. In the treatment corticosteroids and sulfasalazine are used in various combinations associated with general supportive measures. Finally the Authors confirm that chronic inflammatory bowel disease may cause, especially in childhood, remarkable involvement on the growth and several psychological disorders.