Crohns & Colitis - 9 Flashcards
What is the age of Michael, the boy in the case study?
14 years old
What symptoms did Michael experience before being diagnosed with IBD?
Occasional episodes of abdominal pain and diarrhea
What percentile for height was Michael at during his pediatric visit?
10th percentile
What diagnosis did the ultrasound suggest for Michael?
Crohn’s disease
What type of therapy did Michael and his parents choose for his treatment?
Nutritional therapy with a liquid nutritional supplement
What was Michael taught to do with the nasogastric tube?
Place the tube himself through his nose into his stomach
What percentage of individuals with IBD develop the disease during childhood or adolescence?
Approximately 20%
What are the two chronic disorders commonly affecting children mentioned in the text?
- Crohn’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
What is the primary location of inflammation in very young children with IBD?
The colon
What type of colitis is more commonly seen in children than adults?
Crohn’s colitis
In children, what is the most common involvement of ulcerative colitis?
Entire colon (pancolitis or extensive colitis)
What is a significant effect of inflammatory bowel disease on children?
Negative impact on growth and development
What type of growth can children experience after adequate treatment for IBD?
Catch-up growth
What is a common treatment goal for children with IBD?
Facilitating normal growth and pubertal development
What medication type can reduce growth in children if used long-term?
Steroid medications
What are the names of some immunosuppressive medications used in Crohn’s disease?
- Azathioprine
- 6-mercaptopurine
- Methotrexate
What common biologic drugs are used to treat children with IBD?
TNF-alpha blockers
What effect can TNF-alpha blockers have on growth?
They can result in increased growth
What is a psychological issue faced by parents of children with IBD?
Coping with the chronic illness of their child
Fill in the blank: Approximately 20% of individuals with IBD develop the disease when they are _______.
[children or adolescents]
True or False: The risk of lymphoma is higher in young males treated with azathioprine or 6-MP.
True
What should parents encourage their daughters to discuss with their doctor regarding menstrual cycles?
Irregular periods or absent menstrual periods
What is the long-term consequence of using immunosuppressive medications in children?
Slightly increased risk of infections
What is the importance of maintaining good nutrition in children with IBD?
To optimize a child’s growth
What is one of the main challenges faced by families dealing with IBD?
Coping with stress associated with a chronic illness
What can the support of friends and teachers provide for a child with IBD?
Important support for coping with challenges
What is a potential side effect of steroid medications like prednisone in children?
Reduction in growth
What is one challenge of managing IBD in very young children?
Difficulty distinguishing the type of colitis
What does having a child with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) not reflect on a parent’s feelings?
It does not mean that you love or value your child any less
Acknowledging unconditional love and value despite the challenges of IBD.
Is a child at fault for developing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)?
No, the child is not at fault for having developed IBD
Emphasizes the importance of understanding that chronic illness is not a personal failure.
What is a significant psychological challenge for parents raising a child with IBD?
The addition of IBD creates special psychological challenges to the parent–child relationship
This can affect the dynamics and emotional well-being of both the parent and the child.
What is the key aspect of parenting styles when a child has a chronic illness like IBD?
There is no absolute wrong or right way of interacting as long as a supportive and caring environment is maintained
Flexibility in parenting styles is crucial to adapt to the child’s needs.
How should parents approach monitoring and managing IBD in younger children?
Parents should take a very active role but in a supportive way to avoid being intrusive
Striking the right balance is essential for fostering independence.
What should not be hindered by IBD in a child’s life?
Normal emotional and psychological growth, including the development of independence
Encouraging growth is important for a child’s overall development.
What is a recommended parenting strategy for managing a child’s IBD?
Taking a ‘team’ approach where the child has defined responsibilities
This encourages cooperation and engagement in disease management.
What role does positive reinforcement play in managing a child’s IBD?
It helps keep the child interested and active in disease management
Small rewards can motivate proactive behavior in managing their health.
How does adolescence affect the parent-child relationship when dealing with IBD?
The relationship may become more challenging as the importance of family diminishes and friends increase
Adolescents often seek independence, which can create tension.
What is a common emotional response of adolescents with IBD towards their condition?
They may feel angry and frustrated with the disease
This includes feelings about symptoms, treatments, and the impact on their social life.
What can exacerbate feelings of embarrassment for adolescents with IBD?
Symptoms of IBD can be embarrassing, especially during adolescence when peer image is critical
This can lead to avoidance of discussing symptoms or seeking help.
What is the impact of IBD on an adolescent’s ability to participate in school and social activities?
Flares and symptoms can interfere with regular school attendance and typical social activities
This can affect their overall quality of life and social development.
What has improved the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in recent decades?
Increased familiarity among primary care physicians and pediatricians
Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective management.
What are some management options available for IBD once diagnosed?
Nutritional counseling, psychological support, drug therapy, and surgery
These options can be tailored to the individual needs of the patient.
What should parents set regarding the course of IBD?
Realistic expectations about the disease’s course and potential flares
Understanding that flares are part of the condition helps manage disappointment.
What breakthrough provides hope for the future management of IBD?
Identification of the first Crohn’s disease susceptibility gene and new biologic therapies
Ongoing research aims to improve understanding and treatment options.
What is essential for effective management of chronic diseases like IBD?
Close cooperation between the IBD sufferer and the healthcare team
Teamwork enhances treatment outcomes and patient engagement.
