REVIEW PAPER
Pediatric inflammatory bowel disease: a review of current research
 
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1
Lower Silesian Center for Oncology, Pulmonology and Hematology, Wroclaw, Poland
 
2
J. Gromkowski Regional Specialist Hospital, Wroclaw, Poland
 
3
Faculty of Medicine, College of Medical Sciences, University of Rzeszow, Rzeszow, Poland
 
4
Provincial Specialist Hospital in Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
 
5
4th Military Clinical Hospital with Polyclinic, Wroclaw, Poland
 
6
Lower Silesian Chamber of Physicians
 
 
Submission date: 2026-04-13
 
 
Final revision date: 2026-05-24
 
 
Acceptance date: 2026-06-28
 
 
Publication date: 2026-10-08
 
 
Corresponding author
Alina Mykhalevych   

Lower Silesian Centre for Oncology, Pulmonology and Haematology, Wrocław, Poland
 
 
Pediatr Pol 2026;101(3):239-246
 
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), comprising Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis, is a growing global health challenge, with approximately 25% of cases diagnosed before the age of 20. These chronic immune- mediated disorders result from complex interactions between genetic predisposition, environmental triggers, gut microbiome alterations, and immune dysregulation. Pediatric IBD presents with more extensive disease than adult-onset cases, with unique manifestations including growth failure and delayed puberty. Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment, fecal calprotectin, and endoscopic evaluation. Contemporary management emphasizes treat-to-target strategies using exclusive enteral nutrition (60–80% remission rates) and biologic therapies for moderate- to-severe disease. Anti-TNF agents remain first-line biologics, while ustekinumab has recently received Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency approvals for pediatric CD based on the UNITI Jr trial, and emerging data on JAK inhibitors further expand the therapeutic landscape. This review provides a comprehensive overview of disease subtypes, pathophysiology, diagnostics, and evidence-based treatment strategies.
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