Clinical and diagnostic features of Crohn's disease in young children

Abstract

Aim: To highlight the distinctive features of CD in young children, based on personal clinical experience in observation and treatment, with the objective of improving the accuracy of diagnosis and the effectiveness of treatment. Materials and Methods: The study involves the results oftreatment 11 young children with CD. Thediagnosis was based on the combination ofthe following data: clinical manifestations ofthe disease and its course, as well as the results of laboratory, instrumental, and step biopsy with morphological studies. Results: In young patients with CD, combined lesions ofthe small and large intestines predominate, manifesting as gastrointestinal disorders against the background of a severe general condition, intoxication, and extraintestinal complications. Young children with CD often show signs of asthenic syndrome, developmental delay, and high inflammatory activity. All the children in the study showed low serum iron levels, dysproteinemia, and high calprotectin levels. Conclusions: 1. CD in young children has such clinical features as combined lesions ofthe small and large intestines (45.45% of cases), high activity of the disease, freguent extraintestinal manifestations ofthe disease, and developmental delay. All young children with CD upon admission to the hospital were in severe condition, exhibiting signsof intoxication, diarrhea, and blood in their stools. 2. Laboratory findings are characterized by serum iron deficiency, dysproteinemia, and high levels of calprotectin. 3. Knowledge ofthe clinical and diagnosticfeatures of CD is essential for specialists to provide appropriate medical care.