Paediatric IBD Linked to Frequent Malnutrition, Especially in Crohn’s Disease: Study

A multicentre retrospective study of 128 children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) found that malnutrition was common at the time of diagnosis, particularly among those with Crohn’s disease. The study included 69 children with Crohn’s disease and 59 with ulcerative colitis. At diagnosis, 23% of the children were underweight, while 68% had a normal BMI and 9% were overweight. Underweight was more common in Crohn’s disease patients than in those with ulcerative colitis, at 30% and 15%, respectively. Growth failure was recorded in 7% of patients and was also more frequent among those with Crohn’s disease.

During an average follow-up of 29.4 months, nutritional status improved in most underweight children. As many as 25 of the 29 underweight patients, or 86%, achieved a normal or elevated BMI. Growth failure was identified in 5.3% of patients with available data at 36 months. The researchers found that being underweight at diagnosis was not independently associated with a higher risk of disease relapse. The study highlights the importance of assessing children’s nutritional status and growth at diagnosis and monitoring them throughout IBD management.