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World J Gastroenterol. Oct 7, 2014; 20(37): 13219-13233
Published online Oct 7, 2014. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i37.13219
Crohn's disease and growth deficiency in children and adolescents
Marco Gasparetto, Graziella Guariso
Marco Gasparetto, Graziella Guariso, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Unit for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Digestive Endoscopy, Hepatology and Care of Children with Liver Transplants, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy
Author contributions: Gasparetto M and Guariso G both made substantial contributions to the article’s conception and design, data acquisition, manuscript drafting, critical revision for important intellectual content, and final approval of the version submitted for publication.
Correspondence to: Marco Gasparetto, MD, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Unit for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Digestive Endoscopy, Hepatology and Care of Children with Liver Transplants, Padova University Hospital, Via Giustiniani 3, 35128 Padova, Italy. markgasp@gmail.com
Telephone: +39-49-8213509 Fax: +39-49-8215430
Received: September 22, 2013
Revised: April 22, 2014
Accepted: June 12, 2014
Published online: October 7, 2014
Processing time: 380 Days and 11.4 Hours
Core Tip

Core tip: This review focuses on current evidence for managing growth issues in children diagnosed with Crohn’s disease. Long-term control of active inflammation and an adequate intake of nutrients are both essential in promoting puberty. Exclusive enteral nutrition has a key role, as it induces disease remission and improves nutritional status. The early introduction of immunosuppressants or biologics may be justified in children to achieve disease remission and enable their growth to catch up, ideally before puberty. Recent evidence suggests that recombinant growth factor therapy is effective in improving short-term linear growth.