Abstract
38 children with adequate height data were culled from a larger series of children with onset of ulcerative colitis (u.c.) before age 16, Data were analyzed to determine growth patterns as influenced by the disease itself, corticosteroid therapy and surgery. 8 patients were retarded in height at the onset of symptoms. In 5 the terminal ileum was not involved.
21 patients were treated only medically. 6 received azul-fidine or rectal steroids - “low dose steroid” (<12 mg/m2/day cortisol). They showed no growth retardation. 15 received “high-dose steroid” therapy (>12 mg/m2/day cortisol). Of these, 11 had growth retardation lasting 6 months or longer although 2 showed accelerated growth at a reduced dose; 4 had retardation lasting less than 6 months. 17 patients were treated by subtotal or total colectomy (all had received some prior steroid therapy). 14 showed significant growth increases postoperatively; one showed no height increase.
It is concluded that growth retardation, a well known complication of u.c. in childhood, may manifest itself for years prior to the onset of bowel symptoms similar to ileitis. Although it is difficult to separate the effects of the disease from those of steroid, it is apparent that “high-dose steroid” therapy significantly depresses growth. Colectomy will reverse the growth retarding effect of the u.c. if not delayed too long. Growth retardation, if not reversed by medical therapy, may be an indication for surgery.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Berger, M., Gribetz, D. & Korelitz, B. THE COURSE OF GROWTH RETARDATION IN CHILDREN WITH ULCERATIVE COLITIS. Pediatr Res 8, 378 (1974). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00231
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197404000-00231