What does this research mean for the field?

Early-onset Crohn's disease in young children frequently presents with nonspecific symptoms and extraintestinal features that delay diagnosis, requiring a comprehensive diagnostic algorithm that includes morphological verification and genetic screening to rule out primary immunodeficiencies. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.SYNTHESIS. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

To summarize current diagnostic strategies and recommend practical approaches for early-onset Crohn's disease in children.

May 18, 2026

Complex diagnostic approach in early manifestation of crohn’s disease in children

Key Points

To summarize current diagnostic strategies and recommend practical approaches for early-onset Crohn's disease in children.
Literature analysis of electronic databases like PubMed and clinical cases of 7 children aged 1 year 10 months to 4.5 years.
Utilization of a diagnostic algorithm inclusive of clinical examination, laboratory tests, and genetic testing.
Mandatory histological examination of biopsy specimens for diagnosis verification.
Delayed diagnosis is common due to nonspecific symptoms and variable early manifestations.
Awareness of extraintestinal manifestations, perianal lesions, and growth failure is critical for accurate diagnosis.
Serological tests are supportive but do not exclude a diagnosis if results are negative, especially in children under 6.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Aim: To summarize current approaches to diagnosing and evaluating clinical features and disease course of Crohn's disease, and to provide competency-based practical recommendations for diagnostic assessment in children with early-onset disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and Methods: Literature analysis was conducted using electronic databases (PubMed, Medline, the Cochrane Library) and the author's clinical cases of Crohn's disease in 7 children aged 1 year 10 months to 4.5 years. The diagnostic algorithm in young children included general clinical examination and laboratory and instrumental methods, including genetic testing and serological markers. Morphological verification of the diagnosis by histological examination of biopsy specimens is mandatory. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Delayed diagnosis of Crohn's disease in young children results from nonspecific symptoms, variable early manifestations, and prominent extraintestinal features. Early-onset disease poses a major diagnostic challenge and requires increased awareness of extraintestinal manifestations, perianal lesions, and growth failure. Serological tests serve as supportive tools and do not exclude the diagnosis when negative, particularly in children under 6 years. Genetic screening to rule out primary immunodeficiencies is an essential part of the diagnostic workup in this age group.

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